Chateau Haut Brion Vertical 1992-2015

This was the night before dinner for the Fete de Bordeaux hosted by the Dallas Chapter of the Commanderie de Bordeaux and the brainchild of Maitre Emeritus, Rick Currey. This dinner was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Decanting times varied and were targeted based on the vintages by Dallas Educateur Tim Jerome. Very roughly, the older wines had around a 1 hr decant and the younger wines around 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly, so there was not a long time to sit with wines to watch development in glass. I mainly tried to rank wines in flights with some general comments.
Ranking is based on current drinking.

Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11. Flawed: 05, 98.
* backup frpm two 750's, PNP, the original magnum was corked

• 2016 Taittinger Champagne Brut Millésimé 90 Points

  France, Champagne

  Light gold color. Drank a glass over 15-20 minutes. Reception wine. This was disappointing for a vintage Taittinger. However, it was a bit flat and warm, so that may have been a factor. Although, it seemed these were being poured straightaway and not sitting for long. Apple, mild toast, dough, slate-like minerality. Pretty forgettable.

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• 2015 Château Haut-Brion

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Sunny Flight. Rank '99, '03, '09*, '15.
  
  '15. Very dark red plus color. Black raspberry, cassis ripe, tannins are firm and grippy, good length. Should be very nice, needs some time. Impression 91.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2009 Château Haut-Brion

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Sunny Flight. Rank '99, '03, '09*, '15.
  
  '09: Very dark red color. Unfortunately, the magnum for this flight was corked. A scramble ensued and one of the members raced home to raid the cellar for 2 bottles of '09 and scurry back. So....it was a PNP at that point. Our pour was quite tight and not showing a ton. There's a nice earthy nose that transforms from more dried to damp in glass, cassis, more wood spice showing, dryer tannins at the moment. Others found this immediately compelling from the other bottle. Gut feeling of 92-93 in this situation, but no official score. I fully expect this to rock.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original magnum corked. Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2003 Château Haut-Brion 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Sunny Flight. Rank '99, '03, '09*, '15.
  
  '03: Vary dark red color. Fun nose, shows nice creosote, dark fruits, lovely, nice fruit, cassis and dark cherry, full bodied, fairly ready. 92+ to 93pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 1999 Château Haut-Brion 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Sunny Flight. Rank '99, '03, '09*, '15.
  
  '99: Very dark red color. Oh yes,s this showing well, open, damp, pretty fruit, purple and blue influences, dried wood, scorched earth and leather. Excellent. 93+ to 94pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2014 Château Haut-Brion 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking..
  
  The Challenging Vintages flight. Rank '94, '14, '04, '11.
  
  '14: Dark red color. Open, with a woodsy potpourri, very nice, charcoal, meaty, deep berry fruit. 92+ to 93pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2011 Château Haut-Brion

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Challenging Vintages flight. Rank '94, '14, '04, '11.
  
  '11: Very dark red color. The nose is nice here, but the palate is pretty green, gravel, mulberry, oaky at times, fairly dry tannins. My least of the flight. Gut 89pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2004 Château Haut-Brion 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Challenging Vintages flight. Rank '94, '14, '04, '11.
  
  '04: Dark red plus color. This was good, not as open maybe, but solid, lots of dried forest floor and soil, pretty black currants and berry, a touch of bitterness on the finish.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 1994 Château Haut-Brion 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking..
  
  The Tough Vintages flight. Rank '94, '14, '04, '11.
  
  '94: Very dark red color. I've had this now several times over the years and it has always been stellar. This was no different, a real treat again. Funk, tobacco leaf, chocolate, oily creosote, nice texture,very long and it has the structure to keep going for some time. Loved it, WOTF.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2013 Château Haut-Brion 89 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Challenging Vintages flight. Rank '02, '92, '97, '13.
  
  '13: Dark red color. Well, there's some bite here, black cherry, cassis, green, under ripe tannins. Tough one. Sub 90, 88-89pt.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2002 Château Haut-Brion 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Challenging Vintages flight. Rank '02, '92, '97, '13.
  
  '02: Dark red color. This was drinking great, very pretty and poised, Pencil, cassis and raspberries, elegant, my WOTF.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 1997 Château Haut-Brion 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Challenging Vintages flight. Rank '02, '92, '97, '13.
  
  '97: Dark red plus color. This was a bit of a dichotomy; the nose is very nice, but the palate isa contrast. The nose shows earthiness and purple flowers, purple fruits; but the palate is coming off bitter, lots of dried oak. Love the nose though.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 1992 Château Haut-Brion 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Challenging Vintages flight. Rank '02, '92, '97, '13.
  
  '92: Dark red color. I really enjoyed this too. Cherry, funky, truffle and mushroom, scorched earth, dried earth, relaxed tannins, just bit thin though on the palate. But quite charming. 92+pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2012 Château Haut-Brion 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Charming Vintages flight. Rank '93, '01, '07, '12.
  
  '12: Very dark red color. Bright cassis, camphor, cool fruit, leather. Good.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2007 Château Haut-Brion 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Charming Vintages flight. Rank '93, '01, '07, '12.
  
  '07: Very dark red/garnet hued color. Tobacco, plum, cassis, gravel. Tough call between the '07 and the '12. 91+pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2001 Château Haut-Brion 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Charming Vintages flight. Rank '93, '01, '07, '12.
  
  '01: Very dark red color. Oh, this was nice. Great nose, funk, loam, damp mushrooms, blackberry, pencil, refined, long. 92+ to 93pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 1993 Château Haut-Brion 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Charming Vintages flight. Rank '93, '01, '07, '12.
  
  '93: Dark red color. This was very good, high toned, lifted nose, dried tobacco and cigar, red cherries, cassis, medium bodied, sleek tannins. WOTF. 93+ to 94pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2010 Château Haut-Brion 96 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Monuments flight. Rank '95, '00, '10 ('05 flaw)
  
  '10: Very dark red/purple color. Very young, but already outstanding. Show so much depth and power. Purity, great fruit, creme de cassis, boysenberry, dark and dense, full bodied, succulent, ripe, great spice notes, fantastic texture. 96(+) pts. Gonna be a rock star.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2005 Château Haut-Brion Flawed

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Monuments flight. Rank '95, '00, '10 ('05 flaw)
  
  '05: Unfortunately our bottle was flawed, super stewy, vegetal and weedy. Suspect heat damaged. The pour from the mddle row of tables smelled great though.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2000 Château Haut-Brion 96 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Monuments flight. Rank '95, '00, '10 ('05 flaw)
  
  '00: Very dark red/purple color. Ripe, broad, such pretty fruit, very concentrated yet sleek and elegant, pretty wood tones, this has such class and character. Absolutely love it, still youthful. Wow, this is killer and yet you can certainly tell it is not all there yet. No doubt that with more air and time one would be even more impressed. Easily 95-98pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 1995 Château Haut-Brion 96 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Monuments flight. Rank '95, '00, '10 ('05 flaw)
  
  '95: Very dark red color. Wow, is this showing well. Impressive nose, power, lift, perfume; so earthy, cigar, scorched earth, cassis, rapberry, gravel, soil, blackberries, gorgeous texture, polished, sexy and long. Definitely one of the best showings of any '95 to date. No austerity here. I'm kind of shocked where this is at comparatively. I went back and forth between the '95 and the '96, really expecting the '96 to end up better, but nope the '95 wins by a nose. 96+ (to maybe 97?). For current drinking tonight, the '95 and '96 were hard to beat even if some others will likely eventually surpass them.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2008 Château Haut-Brion 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Outsiders flight. Rank '96, '06, '08, ('98 flaw)
  
  '08: Very dark red color. This was abit wonky tonight, vitamins and very medicinal on the nose; the palate is dry, cherry, currants, a little meh.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2006 Château Haut-Brion 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Outsiders flight. Rank '96, '06, '08, ('98 flaw)
  
  '06: Very dark red color. This had the vitamin minerality notes too, but much more texture and depth coming through, cassis, black raspberry, satiny, turned out pretty well. 91+ to 92pts.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 1998 Château Haut-Brion Flawed

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Outsiders flight. Rank '96, '06, '08, ('98 flaw)
  
  '98: Very dark red color. Unfortunately this bottle was off, presume heat damaged.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 1996 Château Haut-Brion 96 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  This was a twenty-four vintage vertical of Chateau Haut Brion from 1992 to 2015. We had a group of around 80. It was done in 6 flights of 4 wines, arranged by Jean-Philippe Delmas the Deputy Managing Director for Wines grouped by general vintage character. Older wines had a 1 hr decant and younger 2 hrs. 1 oz pours. Wines were moved through fairly quickly. I mainly ranked wines in flights with some general comments. Ranking is based on current drinking.
  
  The Outsiders flight. Rank '96, '06, '08, ('98 flaw)
  
  '96: Very dark red color. What a way to end the vertical, with another amazing wine; gorgeous fruit, so much earth, funk, pencil, saddle leather, well perfumed, purple flowers, charcoal, cassis, and still very vibrantly youthful. Long and delicious. I went back and forth between the '95 and the '96, really expecting the '96 to end up better, but maybe the '95 wins by a nose. 96+ (to maybe 97?). For current drinking tonight, the '95 and '96 were hard to beat even if some others will likely eventually surpass them.
  
  Ranking the best: '95, '96, '00, '10, '94, '99, '93, '03, '01, '02, '09*, '92,'14, '04,'15, '07, '12, '06, '08, 97, 13, 12, 11,
  * backup, PNP, tiny pour, original 3L corked, was closed Flawed: 05, 98.

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• 2022 Château Haut-Brion La Clarté de Haut-Brion Blanc 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Ultra-pale greenish color. Drank a glass over an hour. Very good, fresh, vibrant, sleek, cool, pungent stone fruits, grass, tangerine, lime, quite bouyant and lively. Very good.

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• 2002 Château La Mission Haut-Brion 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Very dark red/purple color. Drank a glass over an hour. Printed menu says '02 & glass placement says '03 - believe '02 is correct. This was really quite good, great dark fruit, graphite, coarse tobacco, blackberry liqueur, plenty of wood still, velvety texture, lush and layered. Much better than a bottle a few years ago. Still feels fairly primary even now.

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• 2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Flawed

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Very dark red/purple color. Super vegetal and just not right.

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• 2001 Château Rieussec 97 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Medium golden color. Drank a small glass over 30 minutes. I wasn't taking notes at this point, but I have plenty of them on this wine. This may well have been the best bottle to date, which says something. Very long, totally beguilling with impeccable balance. great way to cap off an amazing evening - loved it. 96+ to 97pts.

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This was a splendid event with some remarkable wines. It was a treat to share them with the group. Kudos to Tim Jerome, Educateur and Caviste of the Dallas Chapter, for all his (and his team's) work coordinating the decanting and pouring of over 100 bottles of wine. It was a massive undertaking, and I think I speak for everyone when I say THANK YOU! Your efforts were most appreciated.