Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 2019

100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "Composed of 48.7% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8.1% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Haut-Brion is deep garnet-purple in color. It waltzes out with flamboyant scents of wilted roses, star anise, mossy tree bark, and kirsch, leading to a core of blackcurrant pastille and stewed black plums. The full-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and lively acidity supporting the densely packed, muscular black fruit, finishing incredibly long and with a spicy lift. Give it 5-6 more years in bottle to really hit its stride and drink it over the next 40-years+. Alcohol 15%. Drink: 2027-2070. (5/1/23)"

100 points James Suckling: "The black cassis comes out of the glass, together with iodine, sandalwood and subtle moss and wet-bark undertones, then turning to violets. The palate is mind-blowing, with a cashmere texture that unravels on the palate and continues on for minutes. It’s full of superbly complex, ethereal character and mouth-feel, One of the wines of the vintage. As glorious as it may be to taste now, this is one for your deep cellar. Try in 2029. (2/11/22)"

100 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Perhaps seeing a 100 Pt score is not a surprise here, but the devil is in detail as every vintage carries a unique signature, and this is the point of tasting and comparing. I am jealous of the younger generation of consumers that will be able to compare the 2018, 2019, and 2020 on maturity, as each vintage has its own strong points and character. The 2019 offers a vibrant, rich, refined, powerful, concentrated, smoky profile with countless layers of roasted, smoked red and black fruits, herbs, spice-box, cigar wrapper, cedar, and burnt leaves. Even though this is incredibly dense and intense, it is also light on its feet. Effortless to drink, with a beautiful, elegant, silky, refined finish that surpasses the 60-second mark, this will be seen by future generations as one of the great vintages of Haut Brion. Drink from 2032-2075. (Mar 2022)"

99+ points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2019 Haut-Brion has an ethereal degree of transparency on the nose, perhaps the most delineated of all the 2019s, fabulous precision and detail considering the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with fine bone tannins, unerring symmetry and poise. Cohesive from start to finish with an extraordinarily persistent and compelling closing. Off the charts. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink: 2028-2065. (Feb 2023)"

99 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2023).

98+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Grand Vin 2019 Château Haut-Brion checks in as a classic blend of 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc. Its deep purple hue is followed by a stunning bouquet of ripe black cherry and currant-like fruit as well as classic Graves cold fireplace, burning embers, tobacco, and cedar pencil. More regal, firm, and classically structured on the palate, this full-bodied beauty has a deep, concentrated mid-palate, building tannins, background oak, and a great, great finish. It's very much in the focused, elegant, yet still concentrated and powerful style of the vintage. It will need a solid decade of cellaring, but it’s a brilliant wine. Drink: 2032+. (4/11/22)"

98 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings, burning embers and creamy new oak, the 2019 Haut-Brion is full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a textural attack that segues into an ample and enveloping core of fruit, concluding with a long, expansive finish. Broad-shouldered and muscular, its rich, powdery tannins are already seamlessly integrated; and though it's labeled at 15% alcohol, far higher than the great vintages of yesteryear, it avoids any sense of over-ripeness. Drink: 2033-2070. (4/7/22)"

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Haut-Brion is seriously impressive. A dark, virile wine, the 2019 impresses with its vertical energy and statuesque elegance. It's a Haut-Brion that will only reveal itself over many years. Today, the density and resonance are super-impressive and also hugely promising. Classic savory and mineral notes start to emerge over time. I can't wait to see how this ages. Drink: 2031-2059. (Feb 2022)"

98 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "A blend of 48.7% Merlot, 8.1% Cabernet Franc and 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is expressive and perfumed on the nose, with dried cranberry, currant and liquorice fruits, dusted with white pepper and with a little toasted edge. Supple, svelte but elegant on the palate, immediately nudging ahead of La Mission in this vintage, with a huge blanket of dark currant and damson fruits, laced with tobacco box, liquorice, graphite and slate, resting upon a dense core of tannins which remain beautifully integrated in the wine, and even through the finish where the structure does show, but it never dominates. Rich, sensual, polished, but with energy, acidity and drive, this will be a beautiful addition to any cellar. So long too. A glorious Haut-Brion this year. The declared alcohol on the label is 15%, although the precise figure is 14.6%. (Dec 2021)"

98 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby in colour with purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. On the nose, delicate aromas of caramel and nougat, black cherry, a hint of cassis, tobacco, and fine oak notes. The palate is juicy, with a pleasant sweetness, fine red berry fruit nuances, integrated tannins, fine acidity, and a very long saline-citrus finish. Already accessible, this has definite ageing potential. 2025 - 2050. (2/3/22)"

98 points Wine Enthusiast: "The wine's richness give it the density for aging. The bold structure is mitigated by the wine's juicy acidity that cuts the structure with freshness. This grand wine has a solid character as well as plenty of juicy fruits. Drink from 2027. (Oct 2022)"