Appellations

Haut Brion 2014

Pessac-Leognan, First Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2014 Haut-Brion has a generous, quite rich bouquet, a little leathery with just a suggestion of menthol that I have remarked upon in previous bottles. It is attractive but quite open and forward for such a young wine. The palate is medium-bodied with a menthol-tinged entry that sets you up for a very medicinal wine. It is nicely balanced with crisp acidity and quite a savoury, herbal finish that does not quite reflect the vintage. This showed better a few months ago. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. (93+ Points)

Score: 93 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025-2060 Date: 01 March 2018

The Château Haut-Brion 2014 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon picked between 11 September and 10 October cropped at 42.9 hectoliters per hectare raised in 70% new oak (Jean-Philippe Delmas has been lowering the new oak in recent vintages.) The fruit seems a little 'redder' than La Mission at this stage with vibrant wild strawberry, blackcurrant and a pinch of dry tobacco, a hint of menthol developing with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, that tobacco element becoming a little stronger in the mouth, a little foursquare but like La Mission Haut-Brion, focusing upon precision rather than power. Of course, a superb contribution to the vintage, but I'd place my bets on the "Mish", at least on these barrel tastings.

Score: 93 - 95 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2040 Date: 01 April 2015