December 20, 2021 - This was a strange sensation, but a highly pleasurable one. The best description I've seen of this is that its like drinking a Sauternes but without the sugar. Typically for its age the colour was deep and very Sauternes like, but remarkably showing no signs of oxidation. It was vibrant and underpinned with ripe peach and apricot but with candied orange peel and marmalade underlying. Likewise the finish was very fresh and perfectly balanced. The only challenge with the wine is food pairing as it overwhelmed its simple fish accompaniment and I would probably recommend to drink it as an aperitif. Strangely I would recommend a couple of hours in the decanter to lose some of its fruit.
November 1, 2017 - Laville Haut Brion Blanc Dinner (Tocqueville): Ripe apricot on he nose. Immediately reminiscent of Yquem. Waxy honey. Sharp. Vibrant and highly showy. Developed apricot palate. Candied fruit. Whereas the ‘81 was decidedly savory this is quite sweet. Delicious, but definitely the most Sauterne-like of the bunch.
April 11, 2016 - Mature and complex with roting fruit rubber; long complex finish.
June 20, 2015 - Semi sweet with flowered elements and great terrior.
May 16, 2014 - Dinner at RPM (RPM Italian - Chicago, IL): With some air, this really took off. I was struck by the beautiful florals and a really energetic lime-y edge to it. The body was lithe and elegant - I thought this was in a great place.
May 16, 2014 - Dinner at RPM (Chicago, IL): Golden colour -- I remarked that it looked like a bottle of young Sauternes. Tasted like it too, sans sucre. Amazing acidity and some of that orange peel marmalade flavour you get from Sauternes. An excellent bottle.
June 11, 2009 - Almost botrytis in the bouquet with honey and banana. Very special on the palate; mature ripe bitterness, almonds, pineapple and a very long finish. Amazing how old and how beautiful this still is.
May 31, 2009 - Les Blancs de Pessac-Léognan @ my place (Netherlands): Sauternes-like on the nose, and nice and crummy but completely dry on the palate. Dark notes of coffee, caramel, molasses and apple syrup. Very special and unique, but probably past its best. 17/20
February 23, 1991 - Mostly 1987 Cabernet Sauvignons (Hi-Time Wine Cellars, Costa Mesa, Ca.): Nice, perfumy nose, big, rich, ripe fruit in the mouth, oxidized, very dry, very big hint of rich fruit on the perfumy finish, 3 years past prime/peak drinking.
My first taste of Chateau Laville Haut-Brion Blanc ever.