Opens up very slowly, keeping a very youthful appearance. Shy black currant leaf, fresh black currants, a bit tobacco leaf, a smoky, earthy note, a faint whiff of orange peel. All interwoven, subtle, and yet, a bit underwhelming.
The wow happens on the palate - smooth and so polished… more silk than velvet.
Cool black currant, a touch of 100% cocoa chocolate, a bit of espresso savouriness
Not really rich nor broad… but the precision & depth are amazing. Harmonious, self assured, elegant. A finish that goes on forever
If only the nose would be as magical as the palate - what a grand wine this would be — a month ago
Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper. In 1990, Daniel & Florence Cathiard now own estate. Blend of 60% Cab Sauv & 40% Merlot, dark berry aromas, herbs and earthy spice. On the complex palate flavors of cherry and currant with pepper, tobacco and cacao notes. Soft ripe tannins, long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. — 22 days ago
For our reception, I packed a magnum of this in 2007 into my suitcase.. Same as it was that night, it is tonight. Every 750ml I/we have had since then has better than the magnum I brought. The magnum was good, but a touch broken down. This is in amazing shape. Storage is everything w/ wine of this age.
The nose was straight up brighter, aged fruit profile with mushrooms, sweetened led pencil & barnyard. Beautiful. Classic 80’s seminole Bordeaux. 48 years from inception & 46 years in bottle, amazing.
Happy anniversary Sofia! ❤️ you endlessly!
This is a perfect example of why I love Bordeaux. — 5 days ago
Drinking the 2016 in 2024. Deep rich color. Very nice legs. Earthy with leather notes bouquet. Very easy drinking. Deep ripe fruit with a slightly sweet finish. Low tannins. — 13 days ago
Medium ruby , quite wide garnet , terracotta rim . Quite spiced tobacco , red focused sous bois , warm spice , coffee and cacao , a little foursquare , rustic perhaps . On the palate better , quite juicy and rounded , spiced red plum , dark cherry , dry spice . This becomes more saline with time in the glass, balanced acidity and some slightly gritty tannins. This is probably in the middle of its drinking window , and will remain here over the next 5-10 years perhaps. Within the context of Haut Brion , this perhaps is just a little below par . — 14 days ago
Medium yellow with a touch of yellow gold, wide watery rim . Beeswax, cut grass, peaches and cream, lemon rind , grapefruit and a touch of toastiness. On the palete quite intense with that grassy note, peach , confit lemon, good acidity and good length. Quite round but the richness is counted by the acidic backbone. Fresh and vibrant with balanced alcohol . This is drinking well now , but will continue at this level for the next 10 years or so. — 14 days ago
Stefan Dolhain
2022 vintage. A solid effort. — 4 days ago