Article
Château Haut-Brion 2005, 2015 and 2016: compare the 2005, 2015 and 2016 harvest periods, blend proportions and ABV from the official vintage pages, then return to the fill level and storage condition of each bottle.
The 2005, 2015 and 2016 vintages require more than three transcribed dates. Château Haut-Brion’s official vintage pages give the harvest periods, blends and bottling data: 2005 was a historically dry year; 2015 was hot with abundant sunshine; and 2016 had a wet winter and spring, a dry summer and rain in mid-September. This is vintage context, not evidence that every bottle has the same condition.
Comparison of official data for the three vintages
| Vintage | Harvest period | Official blend | ABV / new oak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1–26/9 (September) | Merlot 56%, Cabernet Sauvignon 39%, Cabernet Franc 5% | 14%; 87% new oak |
| 2015 | 8/9–5/10 (September to October) | Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 42%, Cabernet Franc 8% | 15%; 78% new oak |
| 2016 | 19/9–13/10 (September to October) | Merlot 56%, Cabernet Sauvignon 37.5%, Cabernet Franc 6.5% | 14%; 78% new oak |
Four additional checks for individual bottles
- Record the fill level together with the bottle shape and date photographed; “normal” alone is not enough.
- Give the closure, seepage, front and back labels, bottle base and appearance of the wine separate fields.
- Retain provenance, purchase documents, storage-temperature records and the wooden-case relationship bottle by bottle.
- Scores and vintage weather do not replace the condition of the bottle in hand or automatically create a price ranking.
Château Haut-Brion 2005, 2015 and 2016: vintages, blends and condition — FAQs
Can 2005, 2015 and 2016 be ranked by score alone?
No. Official vintage information explains the background of a cuvée; the fill level, closure, provenance and storage condition of an individual bottle remain independent variables.
Does the 15% ABV for 2015 apply to every Haut-Brion cuvée?
No. It refers to the official page for 2015 Château Haut-Brion Rouge; consult the relevant technical information for the white wine, Le Clarence or another vintage.
Does an original wooden case make the three vintages directly comparable?
No. The original wooden case is one accessory; the volume, case and bottle numbers, fill level, closure, provenance and date checked must also align.
Primary sources and evidence levels
- Château Haut-Brion Rouge 2005: directly supports the 2005 harvest, blend, new-oak proportion and ABV.
- Château Haut-Brion Rouge 2015: directly supports the 2015 harvest, blend, new-oak proportion and ABV.
- Château Haut-Brion Rouge 2016: directly supports the 2016 harvest, blend, new-oak proportion and ABV.
Related resources on this site
- Fine Wine Collection
- Fine Wine Appraisal and Condition Checks
- Illustrative Scenario: DRC, Pétrus and Haut-Brion — Bottle-by-Bottle Review
- Bordeaux First Growths: Cuvées, Vintages and Bottle Condition
- Buyback Guides
Organise the item using the fields in this article
To document an item covered by “Château Haut-Brion 2005, 2015 and 2016: Vintages, Blends and Condition”, use one consistent identifier for all photographs of that item, and retain views of the front and back, key markings, accessories and any visible anomalies. You may send the details via WhatsApp, or call +852 9453 0784. Getting in touch does not mean that an appraisal or quotation has been completed.
