The 2005 vintage of Château Haut-Brion Premier Cru Classé, Pessac-Léognan is one of the legendary top wines from the Bordeaux appellation.
Wine Profile
- Region/Classification: Porto, France / Pessac-Léognan, 1st Growth (First Growth).
- Grape Varieties: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc.
- Alcohol Content: 14.0%.
- Production: Approximately 9,000 cases.
Tasting Note
- Aroma profile: Exhibits delicate and layered aromas of black cherry, plum, blackcurrant (Cassis), smoke, minerality, sweet tobacco, cedar, licorice, and floral notes.
- Palmistry: Full-bodied yet remarkably elegant and delicate on the palate; tannins are mature and silky, acidity is precisely balanced, and the finish is exceptionally long.
- Food and wine pairing: Suitable for pairing with fine red meat dishes such as top-quality steak and roasted venison.
Best drinking period and storage
The 2005 vintage exhibits remarkable aging potential, with a professional drinking window estimated to easily extend to 2050-2070 and beyond. While the wine is now approaching its optimal drinking window, its still-firm structure necessitates decanting for 4 to 7 hours before opening to fully release its complexities.
Professional Ratings and Reviews
This red wine received perfect scores (100 points) from several leading wine critics and organizations worldwide after its release, including Robert Parker (Wine Advocate), James Suckling, Jeb Dunnuck, and Wine Spectator.