April 17, 2024 - Had with steak Diane with Deb and Karen. Lived up to expectations
February 4, 2024 - Blind with 89HB. More pungent and sharper of the duo, inky dark fruit, classically ripe, if evidently way younger and less ready. 95++
January 26, 2024 - Drank w Nick at dinner. Out of the gate, the funk was incredible. Earthy, rich, robust. The finish was fantastic. About thirty minutes in, we could taste the tannins -- the grippy sensation came out. After 90 minutes or so, we could feel the air being let out of the experience. I would drink faster and no need to decant way before imbibing.
January 18, 2024 - Turn on the heaters (Chicago, IL): It's truly hard for me to imagine how else you could make this wine better. This is easily one of the most compelling bottles of Bordeaux I've ever had, and it was one that actually pulled me back into the region after neglecting it. A cork in preternaturally good condition gave way to a nose that really just exploded out of the bottle. This was spectacular from the cork pull (and plenty of unhappy experiences with over-decanted Bordeaux last year had me decide to pop and pour this and follow it over a leisurely dinner). The nose is graphite and cedar, but overlaid with a stony minerality and fruit that still maintains vestiges of primary character. On the palate, this is surprisingly light -- though maybe lithe and supple might be a better descriptor. There is no lack of complexity -- a bit of pyrazine green that fades into sweet red and black fruit, tons of Pessac stoniness, and just a faint hint of barnyard and leather. It's really the complete package as far as Bordeaux goes. The tannins could almost be called a bit young still, and I've no doubt that this still has plenty of gas left in the tank. This is one of my favourite bottles of red Bordeaux made in my lifetime.
January 12, 2024 - A youthful bottle of this that needed further coaxing on the glass despite a 5-hour double-decant. Then it began to reveal its fabulous purity and subtle power showing classic Graves notes of smoky gravel and tobacco spice. The texture is regal and the finish is almost perfect with great length and a fabulous layered intensity. This wine's best days are still ahead. 96+
December 31, 2023 - Decanted about 90 min, which it seemed to need. After that, the nose was stunning, just wanted to keep my nose in the glass. Palate was there to match with evolving complexity over the next couple hours. Still plenty of fruit, very smooth.
December 3, 2023 - Leather, toasted sugar, subtle red fruit balancing on the nose. Ultra fine feel aside from just a bit of sappiness (which I enjoyed). Compared to other 1989s, a little narrow and flat. Super enjoyable.
Edged out just *slightly* by the Haut-Brion that night, but geez they're both really nice.
November 28, 2023 - Excellent wine.
November 25, 2023 - It’s pure and almost sweet for La Mission Haut-Brion. Subdued and relatively soft. The smoke is there as is the cranberry fruit. Elegant for this château. Very nice but not thrilling.
November 21, 2023 - Great depth and character of flavor. Paired very well with Steak Diane. Still Kristi’s favorite.