Oslo
Tasted Thursday, September 11, 2014 by LWI with 915 views
A rare occasion to an in-depth study of the chateau with the first known tasting note: ‘Off to the Exchange with Sir J Cutler and Mr Grand to the Royall Oak Taverne in Lumbard Street… and there drank a sort of French wine called Ho Bryan, that hath a good and most particular taste that I never met with.’ Samuel Pepys, 10 April, 1663.
Outstanding tasting. Haut Brion has to me, partly by reputation I guess, been a smooth, big and earthy wine. Some vintages had that character, like 1945 and 1989. However, many others were more linear upper west bank like, such as the 1982 (to much surprise), 1990 and 1995. So, I did not find that this earthy/warm brick character to be consistent. The other big question (though not necessarily about quality) - will the wines of the 80s and 90s (not to mention the next decades' wines) will do as well when they are in their 70s to 100s?
2001 Château Haut-Brion Blanc 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Mix between moth balls, beeswax and spice on the nose. Add some baked lemon/lime and you are there; Tight, long, emerging complexity, fine spicy finish – although some bitterness. Still on the young side.
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1989 Château Laville Haut-Brion Blanc 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Mature yellow plums, smells definitely of Sauternes, spices; High viscosity, heavy mouth feel - but fine acidity, slightly bitter finish. Quite developed (too developed), and perhaps not the best of bottles. Reasonable good length.
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