CHATEAU HAUT BRION 2005

Château Haut-Brion 2005

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux — First Growth

Blend: Predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc
Style: Powerful, smoky, and extraordinarily complex

Tasting Notes

Appearance:
Deep garnet with an opaque core, showing remarkable concentration and youthful vitality.

Nose:
Exceptionally layered and unmistakably Haut-Brion. Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and blackberry are intertwined with signature notes of smoke, graphite, cigar ash, and crushed stone. With air, nuances of tobacco leaf, truffle, leather, espresso, cocoa, and warm spice emerge, creating extraordinary depth and intrigue.

Palate:
Full-bodied, dense, and impeccably structured. The palate delivers ripe black fruit, plum, and cassis, framed by silky yet powerful tannins and vibrant acidity. Savoury notes of smoked earth, dark chocolate, and mineral intensity unfold in seamless layers. Despite its power, the wine remains remarkably balanced and refined.

Finish:
Exceptionally long, savoury, and resonant, with lingering notes of smoke, cassis, truffle, and refined tannin.

Vintage Character – 2005

A benchmark Bordeaux vintage defined by perfect balance, concentration, and longevity. At Haut-Brion, 2005 is widely considered one of the greatest wines the château has ever produced — combining monumental structure with extraordinary finesse.

Drinking Window

2025–2075+
Can be enjoyed now with extended decanting (3–4 hours), though it remains youthful and destined for decades of evolution.

Food Pairing

A wine of immense stature, best paired with:

• Roast or grilled beef

• Lamb or venison

• Game meats

• Truffle-forward dishes

• Aged hard cheeses

Overall Impression

A legendary Haut-Brion — smoky, intellectual, and endlessly complex. The 2005 vintage stands as a towering achievement for the estate, offering both immediate majesty and extraordinary long-term promise.