Haut-Brion
Château Haut-Brion is a Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Growth) estate located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Graves, south of Bordeaux. Château Haut-Brion is the oldest continuous winery in Bordeaux, with records of viticulture on the estate from 1423. Haut-Brion has been celebrated for centuries. Samuel Pepys tasted the wine at Royal Oak Tavern on April 10th 1663 and wrote that he "drank a sort of French wine called Ho Bryen that hath a good and most particular taste I never met with". One of the world’s earliest tasting notes!
In the 1855 classification, Haut-Brion was the only First Growth not in the Médoc. The estate is managed today by Prince Robert of Luxembourg. Since 1982 they have increased selection using less than half the number of grapes in the Grand Vin, which has had a notably effect on quality. In addition to the Grand Vin, Haut-Brion produces a red second wine called Le Clarence de Haut Brion. The vineyard also produces a dry white wine named Château Haut-Brion Blanc which is very highly prized.
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Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 1958 Haut-Brion, picked October 8–16, is one of the last vintages made by Georges Delmas, grandfather of present winemaker Jean-Philippe. It shows moderate bricking. Sandalwood, incense, roasted chestnut and autumn bonfire on the nose indicate maturity, and the lack of intensity reflects a difficult growing season. With time, there are light aniseed aromas, but the aromatics never achieve liftoff. The palate is medium-bodied with dry, slightly dusty tannins, and strong tobacco notes rather overwhelm the vestiges of fruit. This is a fading Graves that should be consumed in the near future.Inc. VAT£645.85 -
(1x75cl) 1966Wine Advocate (86)
At its apogee, the 1966 Haut-Brion has an attractive, earthy, moderately intense, fruity bouquet. In weight and richness, it is medium weight and bordering on being too lean and light. It is a satisfying, lighter-styled Haut-Brion that is quite attractive, but not really of first-growth proportions. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84.Inc. VAT£746.24 -
Inc. VAT£603.20
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(1x75cl) 1977Inc. VAT£516.80 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
It is time that the 1982 Haut-Brion got the respect it deserves. Forever deemed the "least" of the First Growth, that holds no water if this example is anything to go by, the best of a couple of dozen bottles encountered over many years. Amazingly-fresh on the nose, this shimmers with red fruit, black olive, meat juices and incense, gaining vigour with each swirl of the glass. The palate is perfectly balanced with a lovely line of acidity, focused and refined with just a slightly roasted character towards the finish. Harmonious and effortless, it is the kind of claret that leaves you grinning like a Cheshire cat. Tasted at the 1982 Dinner at Hatched.Inc. VAT£15,292.60 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1985 Haut-Brion is a vintage that I have not encountered for several years. This has an intense nose with dark berry fruit, wild mint, iris flower and just a touch of garrigues. Complex and entrancing. The palate is medium-bodied with the presence and gravitas you expect from a First Growth. Very harmonious with a silky texture and outstanding minerality and tension, this meliorates in the glass, gaining depth and clarity whilst retaining Graves-like typicité. Perhaps this was an under-estimated First Growth for the vintage. This is drinking supremely well, plus it is cheaper than the '89! Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.Inc. VAT£7,253.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1985 Haut-Brion is a vintage that I have not encountered for several years. This has an intense nose with dark berry fruit, wild mint, iris flower and just a touch of garrigues. Complex and entrancing. The palate is medium-bodied with the presence and gravitas you expect from a First Growth. Very harmonious with a silky texture and outstanding minerality and tension, this meliorates in the glass, gaining depth and clarity whilst retaining Graves-like typicité. Perhaps this was an under-estimated First Growth for the vintage. This is drinking supremely well, plus it is cheaper than the '89! Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.Inc. VAT£1,224.26 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1985 Haut-Brion is a vintage that I have not encountered for several years. This has an intense nose with dark berry fruit, wild mint, iris flower and just a touch of garrigues. Complex and entrancing. The palate is medium-bodied with the presence and gravitas you expect from a First Growth. Very harmonious with a silky texture and outstanding minerality and tension, this meliorates in the glass, gaining depth and clarity whilst retaining Graves-like typicité. Perhaps this was an under-estimated First Growth for the vintage. This is drinking supremely well, plus it is cheaper than the '89! Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.Inc. VAT£3,526.38 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Tasted at the château, the 1986 Haut Brion is a vintage that I had not tasted for some time. It is a blend of 28% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon according to the chateau's records. Mirroring the 1996 La Mission, in this vintage that Haut-Brion occupies a higher quality level, with more complexity and vivacity on the nose: dusky black fruit, warm gravel, terracotta and cigar humidor. Lovely! The palate is very well balanced, maybe a little rustic compared to recent vintages, yet with firm body and grip. It's the kind of gruff, almost surly, broad-shouldered 1986s that might be a little curmudgeonly compared to 1985 or 1989, however after 30 years you are compensated with plenty of freshness and focus. I don't think it ranks up there with the best of the First Growth...that would come in other vintages, but it still provides plenty of drinking pleasure for those who love their classic claret with capital C. Tasted July 2016.Inc. VAT£6,025.74 -
(1x75cl) 1987Wine Spectator (90)
Distinctive for its rich, earthy, leathery flavors of ripe, smooth currant, herb, tea and spice. The flavors are broad and complex, particularly for an '87. Smooth, mellow tannins are a big plus. Not a long ager, but it's beautifully proportioned. Drink 1992 to '97.Inc. VAT£415.16 -
(6x75cl) 1987Wine Spectator (90)
Distinctive for its rich, earthy, leathery flavors of ripe, smooth currant, herb, tea and spice. The flavors are broad and complex, particularly for an '87. Smooth, mellow tannins are a big plus. Not a long ager, but it's beautifully proportioned. Drink 1992 to '97.Inc. VAT£2,210.44 -
(1x75cl) 1988
Wine Spectator (96)
What a beautiful and complete wine, with dark chocolate, crushed blackberry, cedar and raspberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a beautiful licorice, tar and fruit aftertaste. Long and complex. Will improve with age, but delicious now.Inc. VAT£615.44 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary wine, and one that I have only tried twice in my life (and this time thanks to a generous friend in London). It's always a bit nerve-racking to uncork bottles that have so much history resting on their shoulders, but it more than lived up to billing. I hesitate to give a 'drink to' date, as this particular bottle has proved stubbornly long-living, despite 1989 being such a hot and dry year, and a number of them now on their final innings. It is very clearly in its tertiary phase, with saffron, tobacco and roasted earth notes, but there is still fruit here, and an explosion of cigar box, rose petal and liqourice aromatics. I'm not suggesting that this is easy to get hold of, but if you are able to, take your time with it, and share it with friends who will enjoy it as much as you will do.Inc. VAT£26,930.20 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary wine, and one that I have only tried twice in my life (and this time thanks to a generous friend in London). It's always a bit nerve-racking to uncork bottles that have so much history resting on their shoulders, but it more than lived up to billing. I hesitate to give a 'drink to' date, as this particular bottle has proved stubbornly long-living, despite 1989 being such a hot and dry year, and a number of them now on their final innings. It is very clearly in its tertiary phase, with saffron, tobacco and roasted earth notes, but there is still fruit here, and an explosion of cigar box, rose petal and liqourice aromatics. I'm not suggesting that this is easy to get hold of, but if you are able to, take your time with it, and share it with friends who will enjoy it as much as you will do.Inc. VAT£26,027.88 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary wine, and one that I have only tried twice in my life (and this time thanks to a generous friend in London). It's always a bit nerve-racking to uncork bottles that have so much history resting on their shoulders, but it more than lived up to billing. I hesitate to give a 'drink to' date, as this particular bottle has proved stubbornly long-living, despite 1989 being such a hot and dry year, and a number of them now on their final innings. It is very clearly in its tertiary phase, with saffron, tobacco and roasted earth notes, but there is still fruit here, and an explosion of cigar box, rose petal and liqourice aromatics. I'm not suggesting that this is easy to get hold of, but if you are able to, take your time with it, and share it with friends who will enjoy it as much as you will do.Inc. VAT£1,795.19 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (99)
Just a hair's breadth away from the legendary 1989, this is one of those mesmerizing wines. The wine is concentrated, long, deep, complex, and expansive, with incredible, length, purity, volume, refinement, and a seamless finish that is close to the 60-second mark. Just entering its prime, it is only going to get better from here for at least 2-3 more decades.Inc. VAT£12,536.20 -
(1x75cl) 1991Wine Advocate (89)
This wine has turned out far better than I ever expected. It started off life relatively austere, closed, and tannic, and seemed a bit light, but the wine has put on weight (as so many vintages of Haut-Brion tend to do), and now shows a very complex nose of cigar tobacco intermixed with scorched earth, sweet cherry and black currant fruit, and some high quality toast. The wine is medium-bodied and a great example of finesse, elegance, and just brilliant winemaking in a vintage where the odds were stacked against even a great terroir such as Haut Brion. Anticipated maturity: Now-2007. Last tasted, 11/02.Inc. VAT£435.20 -
(12x75cl) 1994
Wine Spectator (94)
Has wonderful richness and suppleness, lovely fruit and harmony. A superb example of a graceful, balanced wine that is delicious now and can evolve over many years.--Haut-Brion vertical. -HSInc. VAT£5,174.94 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Just lovely wine, and the only one that was not dominated by a single variety, being a Cabernet/Merlot blend. Excellent lustrous, nuanced ruby.. Clearly a very fine mature wine. Strong liquorice notes (Haut-Brion 'warm bricks' earthiness?) For a second I wondered if it was a 1998 Hermitage. Very complex. Spread across the palate. My guess is that no one dared guess it was a first growth but we were looking for appreciation in the comments box...Inc. VAT£5,380.60 -
Wine Advocate (95)
While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less feral than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016.Inc. VAT£5,567.80 -
Wine Advocate (95)
While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less feral than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016.Inc. VAT£3,355.69 -
(1x150cl) 1997Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)
Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage.Inc. VAT£1,399.61 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Still incredibly youthful and sporting a lot of fruit, the deep garnet-brick colored 1998 Haut-Brion sashays out of the glass with flamboyant red and black fruits, followed by a train of cassis, blueberry pie and chocolate box notions plus accents of iron ore, dried lavender and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully rich and decadently seductive in its generosity of fruit and velvety texture, offering seamless freshness and finishing with epic length and compelling minerality. Oh so delicious right now, with careful cellaring it should continue to excite through 2045 and beyond.Inc. VAT£6,901.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Still incredibly youthful and sporting a lot of fruit, the deep garnet-brick colored 1998 Haut-Brion sashays out of the glass with flamboyant red and black fruits, followed by a train of cassis, blueberry pie and chocolate box notions plus accents of iron ore, dried lavender and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully rich and decadently seductive in its generosity of fruit and velvety texture, offering seamless freshness and finishing with epic length and compelling minerality. Oh so delicious right now, with careful cellaring it should continue to excite through 2045 and beyond.Inc. VAT£5,023.09 -
(1x300cl) 1999Wine Advocate (93)
Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.Inc. VAT£2,442.83 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.Inc. VAT£5,353.69 -
(12x75cl) 2000
Decanter (100)
Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression.Inc. VAT£9,384.24 -
Decanter (100)
Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression.Inc. VAT£2,493.96 -
Decanter (100)
Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression.Inc. VAT£3,729.12 -
Decanter (100)
Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression.Inc. VAT£7,371.48
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Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 1958 Haut-Brion, picked October 8–16, is one of the last vintages made by Georges Delmas, grandfather of present winemaker Jean-Philippe. It shows moderate bricking. Sandalwood, incense, roasted chestnut and autumn bonfire on the nose indicate maturity, and the lack of intensity reflects a difficult growing season. With time, there are light aniseed aromas, but the aromatics never achieve liftoff. The palate is medium-bodied with dry, slightly dusty tannins, and strong tobacco notes rather overwhelm the vestiges of fruit. This is a fading Graves that should be consumed in the near future.Inc. VAT£642.00 -
(1x75cl) 1966
Wine Advocate (86)
At its apogee, the 1966 Haut-Brion has an attractive, earthy, moderately intense, fruity bouquet. In weight and richness, it is medium weight and bordering on being too lean and light. It is a satisfying, lighter-styled Haut-Brion that is quite attractive, but not really of first-growth proportions. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84.In Bond£619.00 -
In Bond£500.00
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(1x75cl) 1977In Bond£428.00
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Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
It is time that the 1982 Haut-Brion got the respect it deserves. Forever deemed the "least" of the First Growth, that holds no water if this example is anything to go by, the best of a couple of dozen bottles encountered over many years. Amazingly-fresh on the nose, this shimmers with red fruit, black olive, meat juices and incense, gaining vigour with each swirl of the glass. The palate is perfectly balanced with a lovely line of acidity, focused and refined with just a slightly roasted character towards the finish. Harmonious and effortless, it is the kind of claret that leaves you grinning like a Cheshire cat. Tasted at the 1982 Dinner at Hatched.In Bond£12,708.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1985 Haut-Brion is a vintage that I have not encountered for several years. This has an intense nose with dark berry fruit, wild mint, iris flower and just a touch of garrigues. Complex and entrancing. The palate is medium-bodied with the presence and gravitas you expect from a First Growth. Very harmonious with a silky texture and outstanding minerality and tension, this meliorates in the glass, gaining depth and clarity whilst retaining Graves-like typicité. Perhaps this was an under-estimated First Growth for the vintage. This is drinking supremely well, plus it is cheaper than the '89! Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.In Bond£6,006.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1985 Haut-Brion is a vintage that I have not encountered for several years. This has an intense nose with dark berry fruit, wild mint, iris flower and just a touch of garrigues. Complex and entrancing. The palate is medium-bodied with the presence and gravitas you expect from a First Growth. Very harmonious with a silky texture and outstanding minerality and tension, this meliorates in the glass, gaining depth and clarity whilst retaining Graves-like typicité. Perhaps this was an under-estimated First Growth for the vintage. This is drinking supremely well, plus it is cheaper than the '89! Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.In Bond£1,017.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1985 Haut-Brion is a vintage that I have not encountered for several years. This has an intense nose with dark berry fruit, wild mint, iris flower and just a touch of garrigues. Complex and entrancing. The palate is medium-bodied with the presence and gravitas you expect from a First Growth. Very harmonious with a silky texture and outstanding minerality and tension, this meliorates in the glass, gaining depth and clarity whilst retaining Graves-like typicité. Perhaps this was an under-estimated First Growth for the vintage. This is drinking supremely well, plus it is cheaper than the '89! Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.In Bond£2,929.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Tasted at the château, the 1986 Haut Brion is a vintage that I had not tasted for some time. It is a blend of 28% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon according to the chateau's records. Mirroring the 1996 La Mission, in this vintage that Haut-Brion occupies a higher quality level, with more complexity and vivacity on the nose: dusky black fruit, warm gravel, terracotta and cigar humidor. Lovely! The palate is very well balanced, maybe a little rustic compared to recent vintages, yet with firm body and grip. It's the kind of gruff, almost surly, broad-shouldered 1986s that might be a little curmudgeonly compared to 1985 or 1989, however after 30 years you are compensated with plenty of freshness and focus. I don't think it ranks up there with the best of the First Growth...that would come in other vintages, but it still provides plenty of drinking pleasure for those who love their classic claret with capital C. Tasted July 2016.In Bond£4,987.00 -
(1x75cl) 1987
Wine Spectator (90)
Distinctive for its rich, earthy, leathery flavors of ripe, smooth currant, herb, tea and spice. The flavors are broad and complex, particularly for an '87. Smooth, mellow tannins are a big plus. Not a long ager, but it's beautifully proportioned. Drink 1992 to '97.In Bond£343.30 -
(6x75cl) 1987
Wine Spectator (90)
Distinctive for its rich, earthy, leathery flavors of ripe, smooth currant, herb, tea and spice. The flavors are broad and complex, particularly for an '87. Smooth, mellow tannins are a big plus. Not a long ager, but it's beautifully proportioned. Drink 1992 to '97.In Bond£1,826.00 -
(1x75cl) 1988
Wine Spectator (96)
What a beautiful and complete wine, with dark chocolate, crushed blackberry, cedar and raspberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a beautiful licorice, tar and fruit aftertaste. Long and complex. Will improve with age, but delicious now.In Bond£510.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary wine, and one that I have only tried twice in my life (and this time thanks to a generous friend in London). It's always a bit nerve-racking to uncork bottles that have so much history resting on their shoulders, but it more than lived up to billing. I hesitate to give a 'drink to' date, as this particular bottle has proved stubbornly long-living, despite 1989 being such a hot and dry year, and a number of them now on their final innings. It is very clearly in its tertiary phase, with saffron, tobacco and roasted earth notes, but there is still fruit here, and an explosion of cigar box, rose petal and liqourice aromatics. I'm not suggesting that this is easy to get hold of, but if you are able to, take your time with it, and share it with friends who will enjoy it as much as you will do.In Bond£22,406.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary wine, and one that I have only tried twice in my life (and this time thanks to a generous friend in London). It's always a bit nerve-racking to uncork bottles that have so much history resting on their shoulders, but it more than lived up to billing. I hesitate to give a 'drink to' date, as this particular bottle has proved stubbornly long-living, despite 1989 being such a hot and dry year, and a number of them now on their final innings. It is very clearly in its tertiary phase, with saffron, tobacco and roasted earth notes, but there is still fruit here, and an explosion of cigar box, rose petal and liqourice aromatics. I'm not suggesting that this is easy to get hold of, but if you are able to, take your time with it, and share it with friends who will enjoy it as much as you will do.In Bond£21,670.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary wine, and one that I have only tried twice in my life (and this time thanks to a generous friend in London). It's always a bit nerve-racking to uncork bottles that have so much history resting on their shoulders, but it more than lived up to billing. I hesitate to give a 'drink to' date, as this particular bottle has proved stubbornly long-living, despite 1989 being such a hot and dry year, and a number of them now on their final innings. It is very clearly in its tertiary phase, with saffron, tobacco and roasted earth notes, but there is still fruit here, and an explosion of cigar box, rose petal and liqourice aromatics. I'm not suggesting that this is easy to get hold of, but if you are able to, take your time with it, and share it with friends who will enjoy it as much as you will do.In Bond£1,493.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (99)
Just a hair's breadth away from the legendary 1989, this is one of those mesmerizing wines. The wine is concentrated, long, deep, complex, and expansive, with incredible, length, purity, volume, refinement, and a seamless finish that is close to the 60-second mark. Just entering its prime, it is only going to get better from here for at least 2-3 more decades.In Bond£10,411.00 -
(1x75cl) 1991
Wine Advocate (89)
This wine has turned out far better than I ever expected. It started off life relatively austere, closed, and tannic, and seemed a bit light, but the wine has put on weight (as so many vintages of Haut-Brion tend to do), and now shows a very complex nose of cigar tobacco intermixed with scorched earth, sweet cherry and black currant fruit, and some high quality toast. The wine is medium-bodied and a great example of finesse, elegance, and just brilliant winemaking in a vintage where the odds were stacked against even a great terroir such as Haut Brion. Anticipated maturity: Now-2007. Last tasted, 11/02.In Bond£360.00 -
(12x75cl) 1994
Wine Spectator (94)
Has wonderful richness and suppleness, lovely fruit and harmony. A superb example of a graceful, balanced wine that is delicious now and can evolve over many years.--Haut-Brion vertical. -HSIn Bond£4,278.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Just lovely wine, and the only one that was not dominated by a single variety, being a Cabernet/Merlot blend. Excellent lustrous, nuanced ruby.. Clearly a very fine mature wine. Strong liquorice notes (Haut-Brion 'warm bricks' earthiness?) For a second I wondered if it was a 1998 Hermitage. Very complex. Spread across the palate. My guess is that no one dared guess it was a first growth but we were looking for appreciation in the comments box...In Bond£4,448.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less feral than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016.In Bond£4,604.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less feral than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016.In Bond£2,778.50 -
(1x150cl) 1997
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)
Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage.In Bond£1,161.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Still incredibly youthful and sporting a lot of fruit, the deep garnet-brick colored 1998 Haut-Brion sashays out of the glass with flamboyant red and black fruits, followed by a train of cassis, blueberry pie and chocolate box notions plus accents of iron ore, dried lavender and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully rich and decadently seductive in its generosity of fruit and velvety texture, offering seamless freshness and finishing with epic length and compelling minerality. Oh so delicious right now, with careful cellaring it should continue to excite through 2045 and beyond.In Bond£5,715.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Still incredibly youthful and sporting a lot of fruit, the deep garnet-brick colored 1998 Haut-Brion sashays out of the glass with flamboyant red and black fruits, followed by a train of cassis, blueberry pie and chocolate box notions plus accents of iron ore, dried lavender and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully rich and decadently seductive in its generosity of fruit and velvety texture, offering seamless freshness and finishing with epic length and compelling minerality. Oh so delicious right now, with careful cellaring it should continue to excite through 2045 and beyond.In Bond£4,168.00 -
(1x300cl) 1999
Wine Advocate (93)
Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.In Bond£2,025.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.In Bond£4,443.50 -
(12x75cl) 2000
Decanter (100)
Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression.In Bond£7,783.00 -
Decanter (100)
Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression.In Bond£2,069.00 -
Decanter (100)
Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression.In Bond£3,089.00 -
Decanter (100)
Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression.In Bond£6,115.00
