Haut Brion Blanc 2018 (6.0L)

94-96 JD / 94-96 WA / 95-96 JS / 95 DE / 91-94 VM

More Sauvignon-dominated (there's 19.4% Sémillon), the 2018 Haut-Brion Blanc is up with the crème de la crème of the vintage and has both richness and freshness. Tart pineapple, citrus blossom, hints of orange blossom, and crushed rock-like characteristics all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, elegant white that has plenty of oomph on the mid-palate, bright acidity, and a great, great finish. It’s another thrilling wine from this estate as well as one of the top whites in the vintage. - Jeb Dunnuck

The Haut-Brion 2018 Blanc is composed of 80.6% Sauvignon Blanc and 19.4% Sémillon, harvested August 27 to September 5—this is the highest level of Sauvignon Blanc in the blend ever. It comes sashaying out of the glass with flamboyant notions of warm pineapple, passion fruit, lime cordial and lemongrass and hints of dried mandarin peel, peach blossoms, wild thyme and wet pebbles plus a waft of dill seed. Full-bodied and profoundly fruited in the mouth, the silky, vivacious frame has a lot of intense tropical notions and yet is jam-packed with delicate nuances, finishing with great length and a lot of emerging mineral and citrus layers. Big and beautiful. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate

A dense and ripe white with sliced apples and pineapple and hints of cooked lemons. Round and velvety texture. Flavorful finish. Shows intensity and richness. - James Suckling

It may not quite have the high tension of the 2017 but this is a great white wine. It has wonderful grip and rich apricot fruit with high aromatics that keep up the pace right through the glass. It's extremely good quality and very enjoyable, with real persistency. The juicy finish is full of citrus, lime, freshly cut herbs and slate, bringing tension and minerality. Harvested 27 August to 5 September. 3.37pH. - Jane Anson, Decanter

The 2018 Haut-Brion Blanc is built on a vertical expression of structure and texture that makes it resemble of a red wine in its feel. Bright Sauvignon Blanc lend energy to the citrus peel, floral and mineral note. Haut-Brion Blanc has quite a bit to offer, but it is very embryonic at this stage. The 2018 is 80.6% Sauvignon and 19.4% Sémillon.- Antonio Galloni