Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

1961 vintage. Ahoy there! Lower neck fill. Durand employed. Opened (not decanted) with plenty of cork splintering/crumbles despite the Durand and meticulous/slow movements. Cork stayed intact but just barely and about 80% saturated. Extensive (3-4 minutes) cleaning of the bottle lip and inch-deep, upper neck to remove fused cork residue. Tasted 45 mins, 2 hours, 4 hours and 6 hours after opening. Heavier body than expected given the producer. A bit of a slap in the face as it rolled in as medium/medium-heavy body which is hilarious. Nose initially a mysterious, century+ sitting room with plenty of decay, dust and past. Things shifted to soy/teriyaki sauce fairly shortly after with a little 5-10 minute fried chicken nose that vanished. Various (dark/semi-sweet) chocolates and cherry reduction sauce eventually emerged. A paced, harmonious narrative stayed constant throughout. Gorgeous experience. Didn't exactly diminish my impressions of H-B being the best first growth in BDX. It's generally the lightest and least-flashy. 1.23.26. — 19 hours ago

Jerry Raphael

9.5

I purchased this wine for $60 as a Bordeaux future offering from MacArthur’s in DC, with the hope of opening it when my younger son—born in 1982—was old enough to share it. We finally did just that this Thanksgiving, celebrating both him and the bottle.
The fill was mid-shoulder, but the family was together and it felt like the right moment. I gave it about an hour in the decanter before dinner. Early on it showed blackberries, a touch of veg, lead pencil, cedar notes and a smooth elegant finish. As the evening went on it opened a bit more, gaining some depth.
A few hours later I revisited the small amount I’d saved and found it had dried out some—but that was expected for a 43-year-old First Growth. Ultimately, it was a wonderful experience and a memorable way to share both the wine and the moment with family.
— 2 months ago

Vino Joe

9.3

It was more subdued than I expected. I tend to like the Merlot heavy Bordeaux but this one was still a bit muted. Perhaps it needs more time even though it’s well in its recommended range. Dark and heavy. Solid but left me underwhelmed. Decanted. Better after an hour. — 25 days ago

romo

9.4

Bit volatile day one, all business day two. Big Xmas spice, feather light feel. Beware the bottle variation. — a month ago

Kelley Raymond

9.2

Needs a bit more aging but a great drinker - more like patio wine — 2 months ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Clear and light. Pear and hints of lime. White pepper, a bit of tang. Slate. Salty edges and great texture. Very correct. A touch of sweetness. — 3 months ago

with Paul and Ara

Doug Griffin

9.0

Not sure, I think it’s a bit maderized. However still giving some grippy tannins, rich cherry, vanilla and wood…375 ml. Kind of played out — 24 days ago

Brennan Roy

9.0

One of my favorite cabs. Wonderfully balanced complexity, silky mouth feel, a bit chewy with a delightful finish. Put it up for a couple of years if you can wait. — a month ago

Conrad Green

9.5

From mag. Almost inky… soft sweet fruit with dried herbs, a bit of blood and iron, white pepper and a meatiness. Really complex and interesting. A fantastically complex and clean bottle. — 3 months ago

with Bex, Walker and 1 other

Conrad Green

9.3

Excellent. Polish berry fruit. Light wet stone, sweetness, a bit of citrus. Polish and excellent. Good tension — 4 months ago