France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
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France
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AI Chat
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Bordeaux | 1 | 88 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€892.48 |
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Wine Advocate (88)The 1962 has always been a very fine Haut-Brion, scoring between the upper eighties and low nineties. In this tasting, it was spicy and sweet, with a tobacco, roasted herb, and red and black fruit-scented nose. The wine is lush, round, medium-bodied, and fully mature. The notes for this wine are taken from the description of Series IV - Flight D of the 1995 tasting conducted in Munich by Helga and Hardy Rodenstock. Many years after the tasting from which this note derives allegations were made concerning the authenticity of old and rare bottles of wine sold by Hardy Rodenstock to collectors around the world. The matter has been the subject of numerous articles, litigation and at least one book. Mr. Parker believes that the wines served to him at this tasting were authentic so this note and the others from that specific tasting continue to be posted on eRobertParker.com. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,995.73 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 86 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€801.73 |
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Wine Advocate (86)At its apogee, the 1966 Haut-Brion has an attractive, earthy, moderately intense, fruity bouquet. In weight and richness, it is medium weight and bordering on being too lean and light. It is a satisfying, lighter-styled Haut-Brion that is quite attractive, but not really of first-growth proportions. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 86 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,340.95 |
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Wine Advocate (86)At its apogee, the 1966 Haut-Brion has an attractive, earthy, moderately intense, fruity bouquet. In weight and richness, it is medium weight and bordering on being too lean and light. It is a satisfying, lighter-styled Haut-Brion that is quite attractive, but not really of first-growth proportions. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€990.84 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€860.53 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 76 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,465.48 |
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Wine Advocate (76)Given the vintage, the Haut-Brion could be considered a modest success. Now fully mature and a bit short in fruit, this wine has an open-knit, spicy, earthy bouquet, somewhat angular, medium-bodied flavors, and a short finish. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 3/79. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,565.23 |
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Wine Advocate (91)The Château Haut-Brion 1975 has been variable in the past, however this is one of the better examples with deep garnet color. The nose is lively with leather and scorched earth scents infusing the dusky black fruit, later a faint touch of terracotta coming through. The palate is well balanced, quite animally and feral for a respectable First Growth, but that is exactly what lends it its charm. There is just some dryness creeping in on the finish, so I would drink bottles over the next ten years or so. Perhaps given the quality of its sister La Mission Haut-Brion in this year, you would expect more, but it remains a delightful, self-effacing Haut-Brion that is best consumed sooner rather than later. Tasted July 2014. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. TAX
€2,791.45 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (98)It is time that the 1982 Haut-Brion got the respect it deserves. Forever deemed the "least" of the First Growth, that holds no water if this example is anything to go by, the best of a couple of dozen bottles encountered over many years. Amazingly-fresh on the nose, this shimmers with red fruit, black olive, meat juices and incense, gaining vigour with each swirl of the glass. The palate is perfectly balanced with a lovely line of acidity, focused and refined with just a slightly roasted character towards the finish. Harmonious and effortless, it is the kind of claret that leaves you grinning like a Cheshire cat. Tasted at the 1982 Dinner at Hatched. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 88 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,586.88 |
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Wine Advocate (88)A somewhat controversial Haut-Brion, this wine reached full maturity at a shockingly fast pace and seems now to be giving signs of cracking up. A very earthy, melted asphalt, creosote-like nose intermixed with compost, decaying autumnal vegetation, and herb-tinged fruit is actually more appealing than it might sound. In the mouth the wine is fleshy, medium-bodied, relatively lush, but the garnet color is showing considerable amber, and the finish starts to dry out after the wine sits in the glass for just a mere five minutes. And of course, I have tasted this wine from pristinely stored bottles, so I suspect those that have been less than perfectly stored are probably already in serious decline. Anticipated maturity: Now. Drink up. Last tasted, 11/02. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,156.07 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€2,135.26 |
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Wine Spectator (96)Firm and concentrated with flavors that spread out on the palate. It's rich and woody, very structured and firm, packed with cassis and black cherry fruit and cedary tobacco. Offers an abundance of flavors in an elegant package. One of the finest Haut-Brions we've tasted. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€8,684.77 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Tasted at the château, the 1986 Haut Brion is a vintage that I had not tasted for some time. It is a blend of 28% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon according to the chateau's records. Mirroring the 1996 La Mission, in this vintage that Haut-Brion occupies a higher quality level, with more complexity and vivacity on the nose: dusky black fruit, warm gravel, terracotta and cigar humidor. Lovely! The palate is very well balanced, maybe a little rustic compared to recent vintages, yet with firm body and grip. It's the kind of gruff, almost surly, broad-shouldered 1986s that might be a little curmudgeonly compared to 1985 or 1989, however after 30 years you are compensated with plenty of freshness and focus. I don't think it ranks up there with the best of the First Growth...that would come in other vintages, but it still provides plenty of drinking pleasure for those who love their classic claret with capital C. Tasted July 2016. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€902.53 |
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Wine Spectator (96)What a beautiful and complete wine, with dark chocolate, crushed blackberry, cedar and raspberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a beautiful licorice, tar and fruit aftertaste. Long and complex. Will improve with age, but delicious now. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€34,316.77 |
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Vinous (100)The 1989 Haut-Brion commenced one of the most spectacular dinners that I ever attended, this representing one of the best bottles of a dozen tasted over the years. Deep in color with thin bricking on the rim, the haunting bouquet has heart-rending delineation – as profound as it has ever been. Scents of black olives intermingle with graphite, clove and cherry liqueur, underneath subtle gravel scents becoming more vocal with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and maybe not as powerful as it was a few years ago. Yet it is ineffably complex with layers of pure dark berry fruit, black olive, cloves and crushed violets. This particular example was one of the most youthful that I have encountered. The finish is so effortless and yet it changes constantly in the glass, revealing new facets, some attendees noticing a touch of greenness after 30 minutes although I could not detect that myself. It is an awe-inspiring Haut-Brion that is only just beginning to demonstrate the ethereal heights it can achieve. Tasted at the International Business & Wine First Growth Dinner at the Four Seasons. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€34,680.88 |
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Vinous (100)The 1989 Haut-Brion commenced one of the most spectacular dinners that I ever attended, this representing one of the best bottles of a dozen tasted over the years. Deep in color with thin bricking on the rim, the haunting bouquet has heart-rending delineation – as profound as it has ever been. Scents of black olives intermingle with graphite, clove and cherry liqueur, underneath subtle gravel scents becoming more vocal with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and maybe not as powerful as it was a few years ago. Yet it is ineffably complex with layers of pure dark berry fruit, black olive, cloves and crushed violets. This particular example was one of the most youthful that I have encountered. The finish is so effortless and yet it changes constantly in the glass, revealing new facets, some attendees noticing a touch of greenness after 30 minutes although I could not detect that myself. It is an awe-inspiring Haut-Brion that is only just beginning to demonstrate the ethereal heights it can achieve. Tasted at the International Business & Wine First Growth Dinner at the Four Seasons. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,997.73 |
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Vinous (100)The 1989 Haut-Brion commenced one of the most spectacular dinners that I ever attended, this representing one of the best bottles of a dozen tasted over the years. Deep in color with thin bricking on the rim, the haunting bouquet has heart-rending delineation – as profound as it has ever been. Scents of black olives intermingle with graphite, clove and cherry liqueur, underneath subtle gravel scents becoming more vocal with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and maybe not as powerful as it was a few years ago. Yet it is ineffably complex with layers of pure dark berry fruit, black olive, cloves and crushed violets. This particular example was one of the most youthful that I have encountered. The finish is so effortless and yet it changes constantly in the glass, revealing new facets, some attendees noticing a touch of greenness after 30 minutes although I could not detect that myself. It is an awe-inspiring Haut-Brion that is only just beginning to demonstrate the ethereal heights it can achieve. Tasted at the International Business & Wine First Growth Dinner at the Four Seasons. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€9,664.21 |
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Wine Advocate (98)1990: In terms of the brilliant complexity and nobility of the aromatics, scorched earth, black currants, plums, charcoal, cedar, and spices, the 1990 offers an aromatic explosion that is unparalleled. It is always fascinating to taste this wine next to the 1989, which is a monumental effort, but much more backward and denser, without the aromatic complexity of the 1990. The 1990 put on weight after bottling, and is currently rich, full-bodied, opulent, even flamboyant by Haut Brion’s standards. It is an incredible expression of a noble terroir in a top vintage. While it has been fully mature for a number of years, it does not reveal any bricking at the edge, and I suspect it will stay at this level for another 10-15 years ... but why wait? It is irresistible now. Release price: ($1200.00/case) |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€6,758.76 |
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Wine Spectator (94)Has wonderful richness and suppleness, lovely fruit and harmony. A superb example of a graceful, balanced wine that is delicious now and can evolve over many years.--Haut-Brion vertical. -HS |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€7,724.77 |
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Wine Advocate (96)It is fun to go back and forth between the 1995 and 1996, two superb vintages for Haut-Brion. The 1995 seems to have sweeter tannin and a bit more fat and seamlessness when compared to the more structured and muscular 1996. Certainly 1995 was a vintage that the brilliant administrator Jean Delmas handled flawlessly. The result is a deep ruby/purple-colored wine with a tight but promising nose of burning wood embers intermixed with vanilla, spice box, earth, mineral, sweet cherry, black currant, plum-like fruit, medium to full body, a high level of ripe but sweet tannin, and a finish that goes on for a good 40-45 seconds. This wine is just beginning to emerge from a very closed state where it was unyielding and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted, 11/02. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€10,526.84 |
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Wine Advocate (96)It is fun to go back and forth between the 1995 and 1996, two superb vintages for Haut-Brion. The 1995 seems to have sweeter tannin and a bit more fat and seamlessness when compared to the more structured and muscular 1996. Certainly 1995 was a vintage that the brilliant administrator Jean Delmas handled flawlessly. The result is a deep ruby/purple-colored wine with a tight but promising nose of burning wood embers intermixed with vanilla, spice box, earth, mineral, sweet cherry, black currant, plum-like fruit, medium to full body, a high level of ripe but sweet tannin, and a finish that goes on for a good 40-45 seconds. This wine is just beginning to emerge from a very closed state where it was unyielding and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted, 11/02. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€6,914.77 |
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Wine Advocate (95)While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less feral than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€3,856.38 |
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Wine Advocate (95)While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less feral than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. TAX
€6,260.77 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. TAX
€1,591.39 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. TAX
€3,234.68 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€8,936.77 |
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Wine Advocate (99)Still incredibly youthful and sporting a lot of fruit, the deep garnet-brick colored 1998 Haut-Brion sashays out of the glass with flamboyant red and black fruits, followed by a train of cassis, blueberry pie and chocolate box notions plus accents of iron ore, dried lavender and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully rich and decadently seductive in its generosity of fruit and velvety texture, offering seamless freshness and finishing with epic length and compelling minerality. Oh so delicious right now, with careful cellaring it should continue to excite through 2045 and beyond. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€2,540.93 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€4,226.16 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (DC) |
Inc. TAX
€13,286.77 |
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Decanter (100)Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Bordeaux | 1 | 88 (WA) |
In Bond
€740.00 |
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Wine Advocate (88)The 1962 has always been a very fine Haut-Brion, scoring between the upper eighties and low nineties. In this tasting, it was spicy and sweet, with a tobacco, roasted herb, and red and black fruit-scented nose. The wine is lush, round, medium-bodied, and fully mature. The notes for this wine are taken from the description of Series IV - Flight D of the 1995 tasting conducted in Munich by Helga and Hardy Rodenstock. Many years after the tasting from which this note derives allegations were made concerning the authenticity of old and rare bottles of wine sold by Hardy Rodenstock to collectors around the world. The matter has been the subject of numerous articles, litigation and at least one book. Mr. Parker believes that the wines served to him at this tasting were authentic so this note and the others from that specific tasting continue to be posted on eRobertParker.com. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,660.00 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 86 (WA) |
In Bond
€665.00 |
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Wine Advocate (86)At its apogee, the 1966 Haut-Brion has an attractive, earthy, moderately intense, fruity bouquet. In weight and richness, it is medium weight and bordering on being too lean and light. It is a satisfying, lighter-styled Haut-Brion that is quite attractive, but not really of first-growth proportions. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 86 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,110.00 |
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Wine Advocate (86)At its apogee, the 1966 Haut-Brion has an attractive, earthy, moderately intense, fruity bouquet. In weight and richness, it is medium weight and bordering on being too lean and light. It is a satisfying, lighter-styled Haut-Brion that is quite attractive, but not really of first-growth proportions. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
€822.00 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
€714.00 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 76 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,210.00 |
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Wine Advocate (76)Given the vintage, the Haut-Brion could be considered a modest success. Now fully mature and a bit short in fruit, this wine has an open-knit, spicy, earthy bouquet, somewhat angular, medium-bodied flavors, and a short finish. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 3/79. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,295.00 |
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Wine Advocate (91)The Château Haut-Brion 1975 has been variable in the past, however this is one of the better examples with deep garnet color. The nose is lively with leather and scorched earth scents infusing the dusky black fruit, later a faint touch of terracotta coming through. The palate is well balanced, quite animally and feral for a respectable First Growth, but that is exactly what lends it its charm. There is just some dryness creeping in on the finish, so I would drink bottles over the next ten years or so. Perhaps given the quality of its sister La Mission Haut-Brion in this year, you would expect more, but it remains a delightful, self-effacing Haut-Brion that is best consumed sooner rather than later. Tasted July 2014. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (VN (NM)) |
In Bond
€2,320.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (98)It is time that the 1982 Haut-Brion got the respect it deserves. Forever deemed the "least" of the First Growth, that holds no water if this example is anything to go by, the best of a couple of dozen bottles encountered over many years. Amazingly-fresh on the nose, this shimmers with red fruit, black olive, meat juices and incense, gaining vigour with each swirl of the glass. The palate is perfectly balanced with a lovely line of acidity, focused and refined with just a slightly roasted character towards the finish. Harmonious and effortless, it is the kind of claret that leaves you grinning like a Cheshire cat. Tasted at the 1982 Dinner at Hatched. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 88 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,315.00 |
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Wine Advocate (88)A somewhat controversial Haut-Brion, this wine reached full maturity at a shockingly fast pace and seems now to be giving signs of cracking up. A very earthy, melted asphalt, creosote-like nose intermixed with compost, decaying autumnal vegetation, and herb-tinged fruit is actually more appealing than it might sound. In the mouth the wine is fleshy, medium-bodied, relatively lush, but the garnet color is showing considerable amber, and the finish starts to dry out after the wine sits in the glass for just a mere five minutes. And of course, I have tasted this wine from pristinely stored bottles, so I suspect those that have been less than perfectly stored are probably already in serious decline. Anticipated maturity: Now. Drink up. Last tasted, 11/02. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
€956.00 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WS) |
In Bond
€1,770.00 |
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Wine Spectator (96)Firm and concentrated with flavors that spread out on the palate. It's rich and woody, very structured and firm, packed with cassis and black cherry fruit and cedary tobacco. Offers an abundance of flavors in an elegant package. One of the finest Haut-Brions we've tasted. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
€7,200.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Tasted at the château, the 1986 Haut Brion is a vintage that I had not tasted for some time. It is a blend of 28% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon according to the chateau's records. Mirroring the 1996 La Mission, in this vintage that Haut-Brion occupies a higher quality level, with more complexity and vivacity on the nose: dusky black fruit, warm gravel, terracotta and cigar humidor. Lovely! The palate is very well balanced, maybe a little rustic compared to recent vintages, yet with firm body and grip. It's the kind of gruff, almost surly, broad-shouldered 1986s that might be a little curmudgeonly compared to 1985 or 1989, however after 30 years you are compensated with plenty of freshness and focus. I don't think it ranks up there with the best of the First Growth...that would come in other vintages, but it still provides plenty of drinking pleasure for those who love their classic claret with capital C. Tasted July 2016. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WS) |
In Bond
€749.00 |
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Wine Spectator (96)What a beautiful and complete wine, with dark chocolate, crushed blackberry, cedar and raspberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a beautiful licorice, tar and fruit aftertaste. Long and complex. Will improve with age, but delicious now. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
€28,560.00 |
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Vinous (100)The 1989 Haut-Brion commenced one of the most spectacular dinners that I ever attended, this representing one of the best bottles of a dozen tasted over the years. Deep in color with thin bricking on the rim, the haunting bouquet has heart-rending delineation – as profound as it has ever been. Scents of black olives intermingle with graphite, clove and cherry liqueur, underneath subtle gravel scents becoming more vocal with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and maybe not as powerful as it was a few years ago. Yet it is ineffably complex with layers of pure dark berry fruit, black olive, cloves and crushed violets. This particular example was one of the most youthful that I have encountered. The finish is so effortless and yet it changes constantly in the glass, revealing new facets, some attendees noticing a touch of greenness after 30 minutes although I could not detect that myself. It is an awe-inspiring Haut-Brion that is only just beginning to demonstrate the ethereal heights it can achieve. Tasted at the International Business & Wine First Growth Dinner at the Four Seasons. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
€28,880.00 |
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Vinous (100)The 1989 Haut-Brion commenced one of the most spectacular dinners that I ever attended, this representing one of the best bottles of a dozen tasted over the years. Deep in color with thin bricking on the rim, the haunting bouquet has heart-rending delineation – as profound as it has ever been. Scents of black olives intermingle with graphite, clove and cherry liqueur, underneath subtle gravel scents becoming more vocal with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and maybe not as powerful as it was a few years ago. Yet it is ineffably complex with layers of pure dark berry fruit, black olive, cloves and crushed violets. This particular example was one of the most youthful that I have encountered. The finish is so effortless and yet it changes constantly in the glass, revealing new facets, some attendees noticing a touch of greenness after 30 minutes although I could not detect that myself. It is an awe-inspiring Haut-Brion that is only just beginning to demonstrate the ethereal heights it can achieve. Tasted at the International Business & Wine First Growth Dinner at the Four Seasons. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
€2,495.00 |
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Vinous (100)The 1989 Haut-Brion commenced one of the most spectacular dinners that I ever attended, this representing one of the best bottles of a dozen tasted over the years. Deep in color with thin bricking on the rim, the haunting bouquet has heart-rending delineation – as profound as it has ever been. Scents of black olives intermingle with graphite, clove and cherry liqueur, underneath subtle gravel scents becoming more vocal with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and maybe not as powerful as it was a few years ago. Yet it is ineffably complex with layers of pure dark berry fruit, black olive, cloves and crushed violets. This particular example was one of the most youthful that I have encountered. The finish is so effortless and yet it changes constantly in the glass, revealing new facets, some attendees noticing a touch of greenness after 30 minutes although I could not detect that myself. It is an awe-inspiring Haut-Brion that is only just beginning to demonstrate the ethereal heights it can achieve. Tasted at the International Business & Wine First Growth Dinner at the Four Seasons. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
€8,035.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98)1990: In terms of the brilliant complexity and nobility of the aromatics, scorched earth, black currants, plums, charcoal, cedar, and spices, the 1990 offers an aromatic explosion that is unparalleled. It is always fascinating to taste this wine next to the 1989, which is a monumental effort, but much more backward and denser, without the aromatic complexity of the 1990. The 1990 put on weight after bottling, and is currently rich, full-bodied, opulent, even flamboyant by Haut Brion’s standards. It is an incredible expression of a noble terroir in a top vintage. While it has been fully mature for a number of years, it does not reveal any bricking at the edge, and I suspect it will stay at this level for another 10-15 years ... but why wait? It is irresistible now. Release price: ($1200.00/case) |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WS) |
In Bond
€5,595.00 |
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Wine Spectator (94)Has wonderful richness and suppleness, lovely fruit and harmony. A superb example of a graceful, balanced wine that is delicious now and can evolve over many years.--Haut-Brion vertical. -HS |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
€6,400.00 |
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Wine Advocate (96)It is fun to go back and forth between the 1995 and 1996, two superb vintages for Haut-Brion. The 1995 seems to have sweeter tannin and a bit more fat and seamlessness when compared to the more structured and muscular 1996. Certainly 1995 was a vintage that the brilliant administrator Jean Delmas handled flawlessly. The result is a deep ruby/purple-colored wine with a tight but promising nose of burning wood embers intermixed with vanilla, spice box, earth, mineral, sweet cherry, black currant, plum-like fruit, medium to full body, a high level of ripe but sweet tannin, and a finish that goes on for a good 40-45 seconds. This wine is just beginning to emerge from a very closed state where it was unyielding and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted, 11/02. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
€8,735.00 |
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Wine Advocate (96)It is fun to go back and forth between the 1995 and 1996, two superb vintages for Haut-Brion. The 1995 seems to have sweeter tannin and a bit more fat and seamlessness when compared to the more structured and muscular 1996. Certainly 1995 was a vintage that the brilliant administrator Jean Delmas handled flawlessly. The result is a deep ruby/purple-colored wine with a tight but promising nose of burning wood embers intermixed with vanilla, spice box, earth, mineral, sweet cherry, black currant, plum-like fruit, medium to full body, a high level of ripe but sweet tannin, and a finish that goes on for a good 40-45 seconds. This wine is just beginning to emerge from a very closed state where it was unyielding and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted, 11/02. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
€5,725.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less feral than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
€3,195.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less feral than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
€5,180.00 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
€1,320.00 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
€2,680.00 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
€7,410.00 |
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Wine Advocate (99)Still incredibly youthful and sporting a lot of fruit, the deep garnet-brick colored 1998 Haut-Brion sashays out of the glass with flamboyant red and black fruits, followed by a train of cassis, blueberry pie and chocolate box notions plus accents of iron ore, dried lavender and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully rich and decadently seductive in its generosity of fruit and velvety texture, offering seamless freshness and finishing with epic length and compelling minerality. Oh so delicious right now, with careful cellaring it should continue to excite through 2045 and beyond. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
€2,105.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
€3,500.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (DC) |
In Bond
€11,035.00 |
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Decanter (100)Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression. |
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