As close to perfect as a wine has come to for me. We have the green pepper, wet stone, slight stable hint, chocolate, coffee. Wonderfully structured, amongst a slew of Haut-Brions it was widely agreed to be the highlight of the night.
Pretty epic; great surprise. I bought this years ago as it was a birth year wine for my wife. Divorce pending, so decided to drink it. I nearly broke out the paper cup to complete the setting; h/t Miles. Thing is though, the wine was so magical (and I've limited experience with wine from this vintage) that I really didn't think about anything more than what was in the glass. Hauntingly good and some years yet ahead based on how this showed. Cork and fill g>vg. highly recommended
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A youthful 1970. I have had a great run of 1970s but this was my first HB and it delivered the goods. Color was deep garnet and belied its age. Cassis, forest, cedar and smoke. Texture was perfect and was still bright. The wine seemed “fresh” which is amazing. More of the same on the palate with a bit of mocha and dried fig showing up. Finish was long and the wine has a good life still ahead. I love Haut Brion and felt fortunate to drink my birth year. Highest recommendation
Dark brown and red in color Aromas of slight vinegar, red fruit, mushroom Palate of dusty book, vinegar, sous bois, good acid still going on. The wine was a bit harsh without food but with some mussels in red sauce and steak this wine was like an entirely different wine. Impressions of full fruit mingling with the food. Bordeaux is definitely much better with food especially aged ones.
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Upon opening was harsh and bitter, worried this was going to fall apart. Decanting brought the life out of it, no doubt. Initially double-decanted with bottle rinse of the sediment then stopped-back up for 2 hours; then into open decanter for another 2 hours. Still had impressive core of fruit and balance even at 52 years old. Having had a few 1970s over the years, learning that the vintage is strong when the bottles are good. Wine of the night for some in the group.
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(Château Haut-Brion) From magnum - medium brick red color with pale meniscus; rich, briney, beef brisket jus and grilled mushroom nose; nice, concentrated, mature, salty, beef brisket palate; medium finish 91+ pts.
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4/11/2024 - unreal Likes this wine: 100 Points
As close to perfect as a wine has come to for me. We have the green pepper, wet stone, slight stable hint, chocolate, coffee. Wonderfully structured, amongst a slew of Haut-Brions it was widely agreed to be the highlight of the night.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
2/23/2024 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
Pretty epic; great surprise. I bought this years ago as it was a birth year wine for my wife. Divorce pending, so decided to drink it. I nearly broke out the paper cup to complete the setting; h/t Miles. Thing is though, the wine was so magical (and I've limited experience with wine from this vintage) that I really didn't think about anything more than what was in the glass. Hauntingly good and some years yet ahead based on how this showed. Cork and fill g>vg. highly recommended
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12/14/2023 - eschaefer Likes this wine: 96 Points
A youthful 1970. I have had a great run of 1970s but this was my first HB and it delivered the goods. Color was deep garnet and belied its age. Cassis, forest, cedar and smoke. Texture was perfect and was still bright. The wine seemed “fresh” which is amazing. More of the same on the palate with a bit of mocha and dried fig showing up. Finish was long and the wine has a good life still ahead. I love Haut Brion and felt fortunate to drink my birth year. Highest recommendation
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (4)
3/10/2023 - 10xM Likes this wine:
Dark brown and red in color
Aromas of slight vinegar, red fruit, mushroom
Palate of dusty book, vinegar, sous bois, good acid still going on. The wine was a bit harsh without food but with some mussels in red sauce and steak this wine was like an entirely different wine. Impressions of full fruit mingling with the food. Bordeaux is definitely much better with food especially aged ones.
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12/21/2022 - enthusiastic_amateur Likes this wine: 94 Points
Upon opening was harsh and bitter, worried this was going to fall apart. Decanting brought the life out of it, no doubt. Initially double-decanted with bottle rinse of the sediment then stopped-back up for 2 hours; then into open decanter for another 2 hours. Still had impressive core of fruit and balance even at 52 years old. Having had a few 1970s over the years, learning that the vintage is strong when the bottles are good. Wine of the night for some in the group.
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