In Bond Fine Wine. 2003 Château Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 95/100 (RP). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Haut Brion is one of Bordeaux’s most revered names - historically significant, stylistically singular, and consistently among the region’s finest wines. Classified as a First Growth in 1855 and uniquely located within the Pessac commune (now part of Pessac-Leognan), Haut Brion stands apart from its Left Bank peers both geographically and in character. The estate dates back to the 16th century and was the first Bordeaux wine to gain international acclaim, famously praised by Samuel Pepys in 1663. Owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon since 1935, Haut Brion’s 51 hectares of red grape vineyards (plus 2.5 ha for white wine) are planted to approx.. 45% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc—Haut Brion is known for its deep, earthy complexity and aromatics, layered refinement. polished tannins and remarkable ageing potential. Haut Brion Blanc is among the world’s most disti…
James Suckling (JS) — 96/100 · Wine Spectator, 31/03/2006 · Drink 2012+
Complex aromas of black licorice, tobacco and cedar with red fruits. Full-bodied, with superseductive, silky tannins, loads of fruit and a finish that lasts for minutes. A beauty in all the sense of the word. Best after 2012. 10,000 cases made.
Robert Parker (RP) — 95/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/04/2006 · Drink 2009-2036
The blockbuster 2003 Haut-Brion (13% alcohol) possesses extremely high tannin, but that component is well-concealed by a cascade of mulberry, blackberry, cherry, and plum-like fruit. There is even a hint of figs under the blue and red fruit spectrum. While broad and ripe with a sweet, glyceral mouthfeel as well as a long, powerful, persistent finish, it retains its elegance and nobility. A wine o…
Jancis Robinson MW (JR) — 17/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 13/10/2010 · Drink 2012-2020
Very dark ruby. Light and racy and definitely more aerien than most. A little bit tart and green on the end. Hard work!