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Haut Brion 2010

Graves, First Growth

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  • GBP Price: £8000.00  per Case
  • Action: [Add to shopping basket]
  • Size: Bottle (75cl)
  • Quantities:1  Case -  0  Bottle
  • Units: 12
Scores:
Wine Advocate Wine Spectator Burghound Jancis Robinson.com International Wine Cellar
98 - 100 96 - 99 - 18 96 - 99
Tasting Notes:

Following a harvest that finished on October 10, Haut-Brion produced a 2010 that should turn out to be one of its all-time greats ... an amazing feat given what they have accomplished over recent vintages. A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc that came in at 14.6% alcohol, the 2010 boasts an opaque purple color as well as a gorgeous perfume of scorched earth/burning embers, blueberries, black currant liqueur and crushed rocks. Full and opulent with nobility, finesse, purity and elegance, this amazing effort possesses extraordinary levels of extract as well as formidable, but sweet, well-integrated tannins. It requires 8-10 years of cellaring and should drink well for 50+ years.

Score: 98 - 100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Sappy, dense and packed, with layers of kirsch, melted licorice snap, anise and black tea. Just as dense, if not more so, on the finish, with extra tar, violet and blackberry confiture. There's massive grip on the back end, but this is velvety and caressing. Easily the most backward of the first-growths at this stage. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 96 - 99 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

23% Merlot, 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc. 7,800 cases, not 10,000+ as in 2009. 42% grand vin (compared with 57% in 2009). Full, opulent nose in which the classic Haut-Brion aroma is well masked by lots of slightly austere fruit. Very fine tannins - very drying finish. An extremely slow burner. Much drier than La Mission, and at the moment not desperately expressive. Its lips are pursed at the moment, and so are mine tasting it. Unusual to come across such a long-term wine even here. This may not make a massive impact en primeur because it is keeping so much in reserve. I think it will eventually make a great wine but it’s surly at the moment. 14.6% (18++ Points)

Score: 18 Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2028-2045

Deep ruby-purple. Brooding, closed nose hints at strawberry, ripe red cherry, white pepper, minerals and violet; showing its cabernet franc element today. Rich and full on entry, displaying lovely depth to its ripe red fruit, underbrush and tobacco flavors. Harmonious acidity keeps this concentrated, dense wine dancing on the palate. Finishes smooth and very long, and still youthfully tight. Another great Haut-Brion, atypically dominated by the cabernet franc presence. I'd venture to say that Haut-Brion is remarkably Lafleur-like this year. One of the stars of the vintage.

Score: 96 - 99 Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar

Stunning aromas of beautifully concentrated red fruits, already expressive, even exuberant, a taffeta-like finesse hides great strength for the long term.

Score: 19 - 20 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2020-2045

A blend of 23% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, this has a quintessential Haut-Brion nose with that trait of fresh black olives defining the nose straight out of the blocks. It is a little less opulent than La Mission but with slightly better clarity at this stage. The palate displays very fine, succulent tannins and like the La Mission there is a Pauillac-like personality thanks to the graphite imparted by the ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. Wonderful definition towards the finish. This is a superb Haut-Brion. Tasted March 2011.

Score: 96 - 98 Neal Martin, erobertparker.com

57%CS, 23%M, 20%CF. Complex nose that continues to unfurl. High-toned with plenty of lift. Red berries, smoke, minerals and menthol. So much packed in here with the texture of silk. Creamy and voluptuous with an incredible finish. Exceptional breadth and depth while La Mission seems more linear in comparison.

Score: 97 - 99 Albany Vintners