2018 Haut-Brisson - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Haut-Brisson comes from Vignonet and Monbousquet in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, from the lieu-dit Laroque. It is blended of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and has 14.6% alcohol. It is aging in 35% new, 35% one-year-old and 30% two-year-old barrels for an anticipated 18 months. It has a deep garnet-purple color and comes charging out of the glass with baked black cherries, warm blueberries and preserved plums with touches of pencil shavings, kirsch and chargrilled meat plus a waft of Indian spices. Full-bodied, the generously fruited palate has a lovely plush texture and just enough freshness, finishing with a menthol lift.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Haut-Brisson is a very pretty wine. Rich, ample and so inviting, the 2018 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Black cherry, mocha, spice, menthol and licorice build in a creamy, racy Saint-Emilion loaded with charm. The only issue with the 2018 is a slightly drying, vegetal note on the finish.
Incense, cherries, plums, licorice and smoke combine well with the soft, silky, textures to create a medium-bodied, fresh, ripe, juicy, kirsch filled wine.
The 2018 Haut-Brisson, matured in 40% new oak, has a rather timid nose at first, gradually opening to reveal melted tar, black pepper and slightly ferrous black fruit. It just needs to meld together. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy, slightly coarse tannins. Graphite-infused black fruit mixed with tobacco appears toward the quite austere finish. I am a little disappointed with this compared to, say, its stablemate, Tour Saint Christophe.