2008 Domaine Allary Haut Brion

Community Tasting Notes (2) Avg Score: 93 points

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  2/25/2018 - Keith Levenberg Likes this wine: 94 Points

  The story here goes that this wine used to go into Haut-Brion before the owners got it back from a long-term lease. That's what the label tries to play up, as it's technically "Domaine Allary Haut-Brion" but styled like "[domaine allary] HAUT-BRION!!!" No, this isn't quite Haut-Brion, but it's definitely a top-notch Pessac. Mesquite smoke aromas from the pop of the cork are classic Pessac ingredients and the wine has a satiny refinement that bespeaks high-end terroir. The fruit is all red-complexioned though, much lighter in tone than most top Pessacs. The heavy proportion of cabernet franc (which I would not have otherwise guessed from the flavors) may account for that. It started to show more woodiness with time in the decanter, not quite as distinct as it was off the bat. Impressive wine with promising materials just the same.

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  8/31/2009 - Jeff Leve wrote: 92 Points

  08 Château La Passion Haut Brion is the first vintage in almost 30 years for this small property. 1979 was the last vintage. Only 2,000 bottles of this wine was produced in 2008 from 1.2 Ha. The unusual assemblage of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon will see 100% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt is consulting with the property. The wine pops with a nose of flowers, smoke, cherry blossoms, minerals, and caramel. Here is an elegantly styled wine with a soft, round feel in the mouth. Everything is in balance. The wine finishes with blackberries, licorice, and spice that linger on the palate. 91-93 Pts

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