Chateau Haut-Brisson St.-Emilion 2020

Jeb Dunnuck : 96 Points

(3/29/2023) Coming from dismal yields of 12.5 hectoliters per hectare, the 2020 Chateau Haut-Brisson is shockingly good and another brilliant Right Bank that's going to represent a tremendous value. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in just 35% new French oak, it has a sensational perfume of red and black cherries, leafy tobacco, chocolate, lead pencil shavings, and liquid violet-like nuances. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has ultra-fine tannins, remarkable purity, and a great finish. This wine comes from an 18-hectare vineyard that was purchased by Peter Kwok in 1997, only to be sold in 2020 to Bordeaux native Stephane Schinazi. The soils here are a mix of fine gravel and granular, quartz-rich silt atop a deep clay subsoil. The farming has been certified organic since 2010, vinification spans just over three weeks in stainless steel, and the wine sees malolactic fermentation in tank and four months on lees before being moved into 35% new French oak, 35% second-fill, and the balance in third-fill barrels. Maturity: 2026 - 2041.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni : 94 Points

(12/2022) The 2020 Haut-Brisson is every bit as captivating as it was in barrel. Succulent dark cherry fruit, plum, mocha, licorice, espresso and spice are beautifully amplified. Creamy and resonant, with terrific depth, Haut-Brisson is super-expressive today. It is harmonious Saint-Emilion to drink over the next 15-20 years. Terrific. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2040.

The Wine Independent : 93 Points

(3/16/2023) Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Haut-Brisson is very bright and lively, offering notes of freshly crushed blueberries, black raspberries, and red currant, followed by suggestions of lilacs, iron ore, and wild sage. The full-bodied palate has impressive tension and energy with fine-grained tannins and a long, lifted finish. Drinking: 2025 - 2045.

James Suckling : 94 Points

(5/14/2023) A linear and fine red with blueberries, lavender and hazelnut. Some black olives. Medium-bodied. Lovely tension and focus. Lots of harmony to this. Drink after 2025.