Haut Brion Blanc 2022

This shows superb structure with a tight and intense center palate of fruit and phenolics. It's full-bodied but extremely reserved and muscular with very fine texture. The palate shows apples, pears, lemons and some crushed stones. Lilacs as well. Really minerally. A great Haut Brion blanc. Drink after 2029.

More flamboyant and expressive than La Mission, the 2022 Haut-Brion Blanc reveals aromas of white fruits, spices, ripe orchard fruits and spring flowers. Full-bodied, seamless and fleshy, with bright acids and a pure, lively profile, it's long and elegant, concluding with a saline, penetrating and delicately mordant finish. 2028 - 2042

The 2022 Haut-Brion Blanc has a complex bouquet with touches of Anjou pear, peach skin, melted wax and lanolin. It needs time to unfurl in the glass and perhaps never achieves the same complexity as the best vintages. The palate is well balanced with pear and green apple on the entry before segueing into a surprisingly spicy, peppery mid-palate with hints of stem ginger and white pepper. This will be intriguing to observe age in bottle, but I was not moved by this vintage.

The 2022 Haut-Brion Blanc, 51.4% Semillon and 48.6% Sauvignon Blanc aging in 40.4% new oak, charges from the glass with vivacious notes of lemon juice, lime zest, and yuzu, plus wafts of sea spray, jasmine tea, and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate shimmers with vibrant, energetic citrus and mineral flavors, supported by a racy backbone, finishing long with a spicy lift.