2016 Chateau Haut-Brion Pre-Arrival Offer

Long before the 1855 classification of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion were renowned for their quality and style. When Thomas Jefferson visited the region in 1787 he noted the quality of wines in the area, creating his own hierarchy that listed Chateau Haut-Brion along with Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, and Chateau Lafite and the finest wines of Bordeaux. This same elite group were later given First Growth status, and Haut-Brion remains the only estate outside of the Medoc to claim this honour.

Located near the city of Bordeaux, the 48 hectare Chateau Haut-Brion vineyard is planted to 48% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot for the reds, while the whites are a mix of 51% Semillon and 49% Sauvignon Blanc.

Other Reviews....
The 2016 Haut Brion is a blend of 56% Merlot, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 19 September and 13 October. Jean-Philippe Delmas told me that this represents a touch more Merlot than last year's vintage. It clearly has a more powerful and intense bouquet compared to the La Mission Haut-Brion, although maybe not the same killer level of detail and delineation. The palate is beautifully balanced with arching tannins that insistently grip the mouth. There are layers of black fruit, minerals, sea salt and a touch of crushed violets. Unlike the 2015 Haut-Brion, this is more linear, stricter and you could argue more nimble on its toes. Yet maybe it does not quite have the same depth and labyrinthine complexity that made the 2015 such an astonishing wine. Nevertheless, this 2016 is not far behind and it will be fascinating to compare in the future.
97-99 points
Neal Martin eRobertParker.com #230 (Apr 2017)

This is a monument for Haut-Brion and reminds me of the great 1998 but in a modern and bright style. Full-bodied, very tannic and superbly structured yet always agile and vivid. Its energy and dynamic nature grabs you by the shoulder and tells you it's great. Staggeringly precise. It can't get better than this, can it?
100 points
James Suckling

Structured and serious, this is complex and dense. Dark black-plum fruits are covered by powerful tannins and ample acidity. It is destined for long, slow aging.
97-99 points
Wine Enthusiast

The 2016 Haut-Brion is shaping up to be one of the jewels of the vintage. Towering, powerful and intense, the 2016 is marvelously complete in all of its dimensions. Gravel, bacon fat, black cherry, smoke, leather and licorice are all pushed forward. The 2016 is quite rich, but never heavy. It is especially polished, even understated Haut Brion built more on finesse than power.
95-98 points
Vinous

Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer:

1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Once received, all orders will be confirmed with suppliers and then an invoice issued - payment will be due on receipt of this invoice.
4. The wines are being shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2019.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.