Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Haut-Brisson - 2020

Château Haut-Brisson 2020 is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru with remarkable character. Crafted predominantly from Merlot, often blended with Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage expresses the classic profile of the Right Bank. The 2020 season was marked by a warm and dry summer, allowing optimal ripeness and concentration. The château’s vineyards, set on a mix of clay, limestone, and gravel soils, benefit from the gentle slopes and excellent drainage surrounding Saint-Émilion. Vinification here is meticulous, with careful sorting, temperature-controlled fermentation, and judicious aging in French oak barrels, imparting depth and polished tannins without overpowering the fruit.

Saint-Émilion’s rich viticultural history stretches back centuries, with its unique terroir at the heart of Bordeaux’s fame. The region’s temperate maritime climate, softened by the proximity of the Dordogne River, creates favorable conditions for slow and even grape ripening. Limestone plateaus deliver elegance and finesse, while clay confers power and structure. This interplay between soil types has long given Saint-Émilion wines their complex aromatics, supple texture, and signature longevity.

With its generous blackberry, plum, and cherry core, layered by hints of violets, cedar, and subtle spices, Château Haut-Brisson 2020 pairs beautifully with classic French dishes such as duck breast in red wine sauce, rack of lamb with herbs, or even a porcini-mushroom risotto. Local specialties like entrecôte à la Bordelaise or confit de canard will elevate the wine’s plush fruit and svelte tannins. For a simpler pairing, a platter of aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire cheese highlights its earthy complexity.

This Saint-Émilion Grand Cru will reveal its best qualities if decanted for an hour before serving, especially in its first few years. Ideal tasting temperature is between 16-18°C, allowing its aromatic spectrum and textural finesse to fully open. While already approachable, it promises rewarding development with a few more years in the cellar.