140

Harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon in the front of Haut Brion - 29th September 2015

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Haut Brion is the only one of the First Growths which doesn't come from Haut-Médoc. It's just opposite La Mission Haut Brion in Pessac, a suburb of Talence. During Georges Delmas' reign, who arrived at Haut Brion in 1921, Haut Brion underwent extensive improvements in the vineyard and cellar.

During his reign, Haut Brion has been flying high. He had functioned as the manager and winemaker, and Haut Brion came up with many outstanding vintages during his stay. His son, Jean-Bernard Delmas, followed him in 1961 and took care of Haut Brion until 2003. Jean-Philippe Delmas took responsibility for Haut Brion from his father in 2003, and the high quality has continued.

There is 43 ha of vines planted, with 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. On average, vines are 36 years old, and Haut Brion spends 22 months in new oak.

Haut Brion is a slightly heavier wine to "dance" with than La Mission Haut Brion. It's more robust and potent, with enormous depth, richness, and length. It's masculine and not "filled" with silk, like sister property La Mission Haut Brion. Haut Brion represents everything you love in Bordeaux wines – unique soil, style, class, and refinement. Its keeping abilities can easily last 3-4-5 decades.

La Mission Haut Brion is situated in Bordeaux's southern suburb, Talence. From 1919 and 1983, it was the Woltner family who owned this property. Under Woltner's reign, La Mission Haut Brion experienced one of its most significant periods with a string of excellent vintages. It was then considered entirely on the level with First Growths and sometimes even better than these. In 1983, the owners of Haut Brion purchased La Mission Haut Brion, and today; it is Jean Philippe Delmas who's responsible for this property.

La Mission Haut Brion is irresistible even in average vintages and is famous for the legendary long life of its wines. There is 20 ha of vines planted with 48 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, vines are an average of 21 years old, and the wine spends 20 months in new oak. It's challenging and almost impossible to resist La Mission Haut Brion's fantastic richness, silky structure, extraordinary balance, and sophisticated/refined "look".

OBS! The majority of tasting notes concerning red Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion (1920-1975), as listed below, were collected during a fantastic tasting of 19 vintages of Haut Brion and 39 vintages of La Missión Haut Brion, which took place in Copenhagen at the end of September 2006.

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HAUT BRION RED

Haut Brion 2022 (barrel sample) 99p

Tasted in April 2023. 53.6% Merlot, 35.4% C. Sauvignon and 11% C. Franc. 14.5% alcohol. Intensely aromatic blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, cigar box, great acidity, splendid complexity, vibrant and sophisticated-Long and sensual finish. Spectacularly sublime for the vintage.

Haut Brion 2021 (barrel sample) 96-97p

Tasted in April 2022. 50% Merlot, 38% C. Sauvignon and 12% C. Franc. Intensely aromatic redcurrants, tobacco leaf, cigar box, great acidity to support, splendid complexity, vibrant, cashmere-like fruit, finesse, sophisticated touch. Long and sensual finish. Spectacularly sublime for the vintage. 

Haut Brion 2020 (barrel sample) 98-99p

Tasted in May 2021. Intense nose of tobacco leaf, forest floor, and grilled bacon on the nose, excellent structure, fat yet silky tannin, exceptional on mid-palate and incredible complexity, long, long finish. Exceptional effort. 

Haut Brion 2018 98+p

I tasted it in March 2019. Very concentrated and full-bodied, with impressive structure, extraordinary length, and striking complexity. Perfect wine! Tasted from the bottle n February 2021, and it looked like this wine's shut up the "doors" after bottling. Tight and not revealing much, you can sense the fantastic structure, depth, and complexity just waiting to emerge. For the moment, it's 97-98p point wine, but I will, with time, surely come up to touch my rating from the barrel (98-100p).

Haut Brion 2017 (barrel sample) 97+p

Tasted in April 2018. Haut Brion and its sister property, La Mission, made excellent reds with fine acidity and complexity, many aromas (violets), and a long aftertaste. As usual, Haut Brion was more concentrated and longer than La Mission, but La Mission was more elegant and noble than Haut Brion. 

Haut Brion 2016 97-99p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2019. Consistent notes. Alcohol level landed at 13.9%, one percent less compared to 2015. This wine was similar to the 2016 LMHB but more intense, deep, and lengthy. Incredibly aromatic nose, voluptuous on the palate, well-defined and precise. Astonishing wine we have here.

Haut Brion 2015 (barrel sample) 97p

Tasted in April 2016. 50% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc, alcohol level landed at 14.9% but was well absorbed. This wine was similar to 2015 LMHB but had fatter tannin and a slightly longer finish. Incredibly aromatic nose, voluptuous on the palate, well-defined and precise. Great, great vintage we have here.

Haut Brion 2014 95+p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. The cherry aroma, lovely acidity, high complexity, abundant fruit and tannin, excellent structure, and long, plump finish. It is imposing wine, indeed.

Haut Brion 2013 (barrel sample) 93p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2014. Consistent notes. Complex with silky fruit and silky tannin. Splendid concentration, depth, and structure. Spicy fruit. A bit lighter version of this wine than usual.

Haut Brion 2012 94p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. Intense on the nose and palate. Violets and crushed dark berries have splendid complexity, depth, and strong structure. An excellent effort for the vintage.

Haut Brion 2011 95p

Tasted twice - last time in September 2014. Not consistent notes. It was more tannic and more robust than La Mission Haut Brion. A bit backward.

Haut Brion 2010 99p

Tasted twice - last time in September 2013. Consistent notes. This wine delivered lots of dark cherries covered by milk chocolate on the nose and palate, freshness, big aromas, depth, very long, minerality, strong backbone, sweet fat tannin, and outstanding balance—mind-boggling effort.

Haut Brion 2009 99p

Tasted three times - last time in September 2012. Consistent notes. Whopping 98% of the harvest went in Grand Vin – grapes were of fantastic quality. Incredibly aromatic black fruit, energetic, lots of dark cherries on nose and palate, intense and dense, very long, mineral, velvety, and outstanding. Granite block and long, long-lasting potential. Mind-boggling effort.

Haut Brion 2008 97p

Stunning wine! Tasted five times - last time in September 2012. Consistent notes. 35% of the harvest into Grand Vin, 41% Merlot + 50% Cabernet Sauvignon + 9% Cabernet Franc. This wine offered a more complex result than La Mission, with more nuances, excellent balance, finesse, richness, and a long, smooth, caressing finish.

Haut Brion 2007 94p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. 43% Merlot + 44% C.Sauvignon + 13% C.Franc corresponds precisely to the percentage of planted grape varieties in the vineyard! Only 43% of the harvest survived the severe selection for Grand Vin. Deep dark red. Denser and more concentrated than La Mission, otherwise same style. Strikingly well-balanced and classy wine.

Haut Brion 2006 96p

Tasted four times - last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. Haut Brion (57% Merlot + 41% Cabernet Sauvignon + 2% Cabernet Franc) delivered an excellent performance in the 2006 vintage but was less hedonistic than its 2005 version. Very aromatic on the nose with dark cherries and blackcurrants added significant ripe and round tannins, densely knitted, plentiful, and excellent structure. It will easily keep for 25-30 years.

Haut Brion 2005 99p

Tasted three times - last time in September 2015. Consistent notes. This wine was powerful in October 2007, crammed with fruit and tannin, and had great structure, immense length, and depth. In September 2015, it welcomed me with open arms, showing a powerhouse approach, fatness and lush flavors, stunning depth, crammed with perfectly ripe fruit and tannin, and a great structure and finish. Already legendary wine which will last for 3-4-5 decades.

Haut Brion 2004 94p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2007. Consistent notes. Contains 61% Merlot, 20% C.Sauvignon and 19% C.Franc. Pretty aromatic on the nose, with excellent black cherries and plenty of fruit to balance large quantities of tannin, great depth, and a very long aftertaste. It needs time to develop further but has excellent potential.

Haut Brion 2003 95p

Consistent notes. Haut Brion created a stunning wine packed with intense, concentrated blackcurrants, tobacco, and chocolate. There was no trace of overheated fruit or jammy character in this wine. Tasted twice - last time in August 2007. 2015-2030.

Haut Brion 2002 96p

Tasted in September 2003. Incredibly intense with fabulous structure. There are robust gobs of ultra-concentrated, ripe, luscious fruit in astonishing cooperation with significant amounts of fat and ripe tannin. This wine is a big thrill and is undoubtedly among the top six wines of the vintage. Yummy! 2010-2030.

Haut Brion 2001 95p

Tasted four times - last time in February 2010. Consistent notes. Immensely concentrated and aromatic (red fruit). Deep and well-structured. You won't find much finesse or elegance here but sheer power and strength. A real macho wine. 2010-2035.

Haut Brion 2000 98p

Tasted in September 2003. Extremely intense nose of dark berries, extraordinarily dense and highly refined. Exceptional depth, richness, and longevity. 30 seconds long aftertaste. This wine is like a heavyweight boxer with a sophisticated punch moving around very graciously. 2015-2050.

Haut Brion 1995 96p

Tasted in February 2010. This wine acted like an opera singer with a strong voice (Pavarotti), and what a wine! Silky, wonderfully balanced, structured, and long on the palate. Seamless. Genuine and authentic Bordeaux wine to make you extremely happy for at least a quarter of the century.

Haut Brion 1988 93p

Tasted in July 2014. Still needs to develop. A lighter version of this wine with sheer elegance and finesse, very stylish and well-balanced. Tannin seems to be hiding under the strict control of the fruit.

Haut Brion 1985 93p

Tasted twice - last time in June 2012. Consistent notes. It felt drier and older than 1985 La Mission, but the quality was still impressive with truffles, fruit sweetness, and a long aftertaste.

Haut Brion 1982 92p

Tasted in March 2005.  Quite ripe but surprisingly light in color. Although its structure, complexity, and class were very compelling. I expected much more from this wine. Has this wine already peaked?

Haut Brion 1964 91p

Elegant and mature wine, polished, delicate balance, and complexity. Light but with great finesse. Tasted in April 2014.

Haut Brion 1963 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away.

Haut Brion 1961 87p

Tasted in September 2006. Deep dark red. The smell of extracted coffee beans port wine-like and a bit peppery on the palate. It seemed that this bottle experienced a heat shock during its storage before our tasting because this vintage is typically superb for Haut Brion.

Haut Brion 1959 100p

Tasted ten times - last time in September 2006. Consistent notes. I've been so lucky to taste this wine ten times in the previous 19 years, and it's never, never, never disappointed! It's sporadic for a wine lover to experience such a magnificent and perfect wine, which, decade after decade, remains young and vigorous. This wine is simply nectar of the Gods and one of the actual wine legends in Bordeaux. It can easily impress for another decade or two or three...

Best flight of the tasting!

The best set of the tasting

Haut Brion 1958 82p

Tasted in September 2006. Medium red with a thin edge. Not at the level of La Mission Haut Brion's effort in this vintage. It's an old wine, still alive, but there's a little time left.

Haut Brion 1957 83p

Tasted in September 2006. La Mission is in a different league. The aroma of mushrooms aroma and wet cardboard. Light and fragile on the palate. It seemed that this wine had reached the end of the road. Poorly stored bottle again.

Haut Brion 1956 90p

Tasted in September 2006. Significantly better wine than Haut Brion 1957. Deep red with thin edges. There is a forest floor, spicy strawberries/mashed strawberries on the nose, and a good structure. Pleasant and round wine with a subtle aftertaste.

Haut Brion 1955 99p

Tasted in September 2006. Dark red. An incredibly refined nose was full of truffles and cherries. Simply delicious! Stunningly sophisticated on the palate, with tremendous concentration and length. Compared to its "sister" (La Mission Haut Brion), Haut Brion had a few more strings to play on but was a tad older in its soul. Divine wine at its apogee.

Haut Brion 1953 95p

Tasted in September 2006. Medium red. Beautiful nose of truffles, cocoa powder, and chocolate - as natural and mature Bordeaux should be. Cherries and mashed strawberries on the palate, refined and with plenty of finesse. Round and silky in the aftertaste. A well-preserved, delicious, and attractive wine, which is mega big enjoyment now.

Haut Brion 1952 96p

Tasted in September 2006. Surprisingly quite dark in color. Cacao powder on the nose with an intense aroma of blackcurrants and cherries. Incredibly elegant, sophisticated, and refined on the palate. Perfect harmony and round long-lasting aftertaste. A true delicacy.

Haut Brion 1949 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away. A bottle that had yet to be correctly stored before it reached our palates.

Haut Brion 1948 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away. Yet another poorly stored bottle.

Haut Brion 1947 83p

Tasted in September 2006. Dark red. Earthy aromas mixed with tobacco, and extracted coffee beans, dry on the palate with old tannin. Unfortunately, it seemed that our bottle either visited many corners of the world or was stored in a hot place during its long life.

Haut Brion 1945 97p

Tasted in September 2006. Medium red. Buttermilk, mocha, caramel on the nose, and mashed strawberries on the palate. Relatively light but with a long aftertaste. Refined and full of finesse. There were barely so many fireworks here compared with the "sister" in the same vintage, but there was nothing to be ashamed of. Formidable wine and great pleasure while enjoying it. At its very peak.

Haut Brion 1944 84p

Tasted in September 2006. Color of coke. Old on the nose, slightly better on the palate with a bit of licorice. Soon, it will be farewell to this wine!

Haut Brion 1943 96p

Tasted in September 2006. Dark red. Incredibly intense nose of blackcurrants and raspberries with stunning depth. Plenty of blackcurrants and raspberries on the palate, with incredible length and complexity. What a vitality and young touch this wine came up with - brilliant all over the place. This wine can keep for additional 6-8 years.

Haut Brion 1929 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away.

Haut Brion 1926 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away.

Haut Brion 1924 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away.

Haut Brion 1923 82p

Tasted in September 2006. Light and fragile wine with little fruit. Very soon, it will be dead and buried.

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HAUT BRION WHITE

Haut Brion 2022 white (barrel sample) 98-99p

Tasted in April 2023. 51.4% Semillon + 48.6% S. Blanc. Great intensity of green apple, pear, and pineapple, acidity, crispiness, structure, and length. Vibrant. Long lemony aftertaste. Sheer class.

Haut Brion 2021 white (barrel sample) 98+p

Tasted in April 2022. 55% Semillon + 45% Semillon. Great intensity of green apple, pear, and pineapple, acidity, crispiness, structure, and length. Vibrant. Long lemony aftertaste. Sheer class. 

Haut Brion 2020 white (barrel sample) 96p

Tasted in May 2021. Dense and powerful, classy on the nose, crispy, with excellent acidity and complexity, and a long-lasting finish. Spectacular effort.

Haut Brion 2018 white (barrel sample) 96p

Tasted in March 2019. Creamy, crispy, splendid acidity, powerful and intense. Great complexity and length. Excellent effort.

Haut Brion 2017 white (barrel sample) 98-99p

Tasted in April 2018. Monster wine has immense intensity and complexity, many aromas, and stunning sophistication.

Haut Brion 2016 white 97p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2019. Consistent notes. It showed as splendidly as 2016 LMHB, and the only thing that put HB in front of LMHB was more intense, depth, and a long finish.

Haut Brion 2015 white (barrel sample) 96p

Tasted in April 2016. It showed as splendidly as 2015 LMHB, and the only thing that put HB in front of LMHB was more intense, with more depth and a longer finish.

Haut Brion 2014 white 96-97p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. Excellent acidity and depth, rich and complex, robust acacia flower and peach aroma, very long aftertaste. Exceptional wine.

Haut Brion 2013 white (barrel sample) 95-96p

Tasted in April 2014. A strong aroma of green apple and lemongrass, great acidity and complexity, rich and sophisticated touch. Long aftertaste. Fabulous wine.

Haut Brion 2012 white 96p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. This wine had a strong apple, citrus, and lemongrass aroma, excellent complexity, balance and structure, and great length. Excellent stuff.

Haut Brion 2011 white 97p

Tasted twice - last time in September 2014. Consistent notes. It had more intensity and richness than La Mission Haut Brion 2011 white. Breathtaking effort.

Haut Brion 2010 white 99p

Tasted twice - last time in September 2013. Consistent notes. This wine had very intense aromas of pear, pineapple, and acacia flower, was formidably knitted together, had impeccable balance, stunning acidity and depth, and an extremely long aftertaste. Fantastic stuff.

Haut Brion 2009 white 97p

I tasted twice - last time in September 2012. Consistent notes. This wine had very intense aromas of pear, pineapple, and acacia flower, was formidably knitted together, and had impeccable balance and a long and caressingly soft aftertaste. Great acidity and depth. More mineral than in 2008. Great quality.

Haut Brion 2008 white 97p

Tasted three times - last time in September 2011. Consistent notes. 41% of the harvest into Grand Vin, 55% Semillon + 45% Sauvignon Blanc. This wine showed intense aromas of pear, pineapple, and acacia flower, was formidably knitted together, and had impeccable balance and length. Fantastic stuff.

Haut Brion 2007 white 98p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. 55% Sauvignon Blanc + 45% Sémillon. Intense aromas of pear, pineapple, and acacia flower, formidably knitted together, impeccable balance, and long, caressingly soft aftertaste. Exceptional wine!

Haut Brion 2006 white 95p

Tasted five times - last time in February 2010. Consistent notes. This wine was highly full-bodied with apple and citrus on the nose and palate, rich, refined, sophisticated, and marked with marked acidity. It had a magnificent structure and splendid length on the palate. Stupendous effort. 2015-2030.

Haut Brion 2005 white 98p

Tasted three times - last time in September 2015. Consistent notes. Haut Brion belongs to crème de la crème of white Bordeaux. Extremely aromatic and full-bodied with acacia, apple, and citrus in large quantities, incredibly refined and sophisticated with great nuance, richness, and structure, and immensely long on the palate. Exceptional wine for a long time keeping - let's say 25+ years.

Haut Brion 2004 white 94p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2007. Consistent notes. Now in the bottle. Contains 49% Semillon + 61% Sauvignon Blanc. Very concentrated, fat, sophisticated, and powerful wine. Gobs of acacia and lemony flavors. It is a real treat. 15-20 years horizontally.

Haut Brion 2003 white (barrel sample) 93-94p

Tasted in April 2004. The creamy and robust wine was spectacular, with superb lemony/acacia flower fruit, zesty acidity, perfect balance, and a long aftertaste. One to lay down for at least 15 years.

Haut Brion 2002 white 98p

Tasted twice - last time in March 2005. Consistent notes. Fat, creamy fruit with peaches, lemon, and honey melon. Extremely sophisticated with stunning finesse and richness. What a length. This a perfect example of how exceptional the 2002 vintage is for the white Bordeaux! 2008-2025.

Haut Brion 2001 white 96p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2008. Consistent notes. Almost as thrilling as the 2002 vintage. It is fantastic stuff. It started a bit subdued, but after several minutes the gates of heaven opened. Lots of acacia honey and lemon with apples and peaches. What a breed, intensity, and structure. An astonishingly complete wine. 2008-2025.

Haut Brion 2000 white 95p

Tasted in September 2003. This wine resembled many of the 2001 vintage and had the same high quality. 2008-2020.

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LA MISSION HAUT BRION RED

La Mission Haut Brion 2022 (barrel sample) 98+p

Tasted in April 2023. 51.7% C. Sauvignon + 43.2% % Merlot and 5.1% C. Franc. 14.1% alcohol. More C. Sauvignon in the blend in this vintage. Plenty of blackcurrants and cherries were tobacco, mineral, vibrant, great complexity, refined, fine midpalate, and finesse. Long aftertaste. Sublime stuff.

La Mission Haut Brion 2021 (barrel sample) 95+p

Tasted in April 2022. 48% Merlot + 46% C. Sauvignon and 6% C. Franc. A similar blend of grape varieties to the sister property, Haut Brion. Plenty of red- and blackcurrants, violets, mineral, vibrant, great complexity and pure elegance, finesse, Long and cashmere-clad aftertaste. Sublime stuff.

La Mission Haut Brion 2020 (barrel sample) 98p

Tasted in May 2021. Dense and tight but also incredibly elegant and refined. Well-packed with concentrated blackcurrants and fat tannin. Creamy and with great complexity and a large structure. Mega-long finish. Riveting. Classic stuff. 

La Mission Haut Brion 2018 98-99p

Tasted twice - last time in February 2021. Consistent notes. Delivered riveting elegance, structure, and richness. Stunningly complex. Seamless and incredibly attractive and seductive. Wow again! Tasted from the bottle in February 2021, it was a different story compared to the brother property, Haut Brion. More open and handing out the good things. Dense and tight but also incredibly elegant and refined. Well-packed with concentrated blackcurrants and fat tannin. Creamy and with great complexity and a large structure. Mega-long finish. As dazzling as a barrel sample.

La Mission Haut Brion 2017 (barrel sample) 96p

Tasted in April 2018. La Mision and Haut Brion made excellent reds with great acidity and complexity, many aromas (violets), and a long aftertaste. As usual, Haut Brion was more concentrated and longer than La Mission, but La Mission was more elegant and noble than Haut Brion. 

La Mission Haut Brion 2016 97p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2019. Consistent notes. Alcohol level reached 13.4%, 1.7% less compared to 2015. Pure aromatic cherries and blackberries everywhere, very aromatic nose, excellent acidity, distinguished, striking elegance, sophisticated touch, and velvety texture. Great complexity and a long finish. Beauty wine. It was closed when tasted in October 2019.

La Mission Haut Brion 2015 (barrel sample) 95+p.

Tasted in April 2016. 58% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc, alcohol reached 15.1%. It had aromatic cherries, a very aromatic nose, excellent acidity, striking elegance, sophisticated touch, and a velvety texture. Great complexity and a long finish.

La Mission Haut Brion 2014 95p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. A bit lighter and more elegant than Haut Brion. Also, the cherry flavor was everywhere. Very impressive too.

La Mission Haut Brion 2013 (barrel sample) 93p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2014. Consistent notes. This wine was elegant, soft, round, and with a silky finish. Soft tannins, too, but delicate complexity and finesse. A fine effort for the vintage.

La Mission Haut Brion 2012 93p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. It was lighter than usual, elegant, soft, round, and with a silky finish. Soft tannins, too, but delicate complexity and finesse. 

La Mission Haut Brion 2011 94p

Tasted twice - last time in September 2014. Not consistent notes. There's more ripe fruit here than I remember from 2008: concentrated, very long, rich, great complexity, and outstanding balance. The nose reminds me of an incredibly aromatic 2004 vintage. Excellent stuff. Different taste after bottling last year - in September 2014, it tasted a bit closed to tannin upfront.

La Mission Haut Brion 2010 100p

Tasted three - last time in September 2013. Consistent notes. Velvet and silk everywhere, extremely intense on the nose and powerful on the palate, incredibly sophisticated, with fantastic complexity, structure, and length. The aftertaste lasts for 2 minutes. Sheer class and style. This wine has evolved perfectly since I tasted it from a barrel in March 2011. Paradise in heaven! In September 2013, this wine was closed.

La Mission Haut Brion 2009 97p

Tasted twice - last time in September 2012. Consistent notes. This wine offered an incredibly aromatic, sensual, sophisticated nose with black cherries, coated tongue with black fruit, velvety all over, layers and layers of silky fruit and fat ripe tannin, exquisite and refined, great balance. Exceptional wine.

La Mission Haut Brion 2008 95p

Tasted four times - last time in September 2012. Consistent notes. 40% of the harvest into Grand Vin, 43% Merlot + 51% Cabernet Sauvignon + 6% Cabernet Franc. Velvety, sublime, silky fruit, tannins, exquisite and sophisticated, outstanding balance. Exceptional wine.

La Mission Haut Brion 2007 93p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. 43% Merlot + 48% C.Sauvignon + 9% C.Franc corresponds precisely to the percentage of planted grape varieties in the vineyard! Only 36% of the harvest survived the severe selection for Grand Vin. Deep dark red. Aromatic cherries and blackcurrants on the nose and palate. An exquisite and seductive wine with fine structure and length. It finishes soft and round. It's a superb effort for the vintage.

La Mission Haut Brion 2006 95p

Tasted four times - last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. La Mission Haut Brion (59% Merlot + 40% Cabernet Sauvignon + 1% Cabernet Franc) delivered great performances in 2006 but was more hedonistic than the 2005 version. This wine was massive, a bit atypical of the usual style of LMB, full of dark cherries and blackcurrants, added significant portions of ripe tannins, and densely knitted rich and exquisite and silky structure. One to lay down for at least 20 years.

La Mission Haut Brion 2005 99p

Tasted three times - last time in September 2015. Consistent notes. La Mission shined as usual with its silky structure, breathtaking composition, enormous richness, finesse, and a perfect balance between fruit and tannin, both perfectly ripe. Sensational wine! A legend in winemaking and one to keep for several decades. In September 2015, this wine had chosen to show its tannic "face" and exquisite complexity, depth, and sophisticated touch. It was in a deep sleep.

La Mission Haut Brion 2004 94p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2007. Consistent notes. Contains 55% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. It was a very distinguished and sophisticated wine with silky tannins and texture. Great intensity and aroma of blueberry fruit. An exceptional piece of wine work. Helpful in keeping 20-25 years in the cellar.

La Mission Haut Brion 2003 (barrel sample) 92-93p

Tasted in April 2004. It seduced nicely with its elegant and sophisticated approach. Not quite the archetypical La Mission and, for me, a bit lighter and less profound than vintages 2001 and 2002. One to keep for 15-18 years from now on.

La Mission Haut Brion 2002 94p

Tasted in September 2003. It doesn't have the sheer power of Haut-Brion. Still, it is almost as thrilling as her big brother, Huge amounts of very intense and incredibly aromatic dark cherries, superbly concentrated and long, dominated by new oak. Simply fabulous wine. 2010-2025.

La Mission Haut Brion 2001 95p

Tasted four times - last time in February 2010. Consistent notes. A very aromatic and elegant wine with finesse and sophisticated touch. Fascinating and breathtaking wine. It is the real stuff. 2010-2030.

La Mission Haut Brion 2000 100p

Tasted twice times - last time in September 2003. Consistent notes. Whoa! The thick and creamy aroma of blueberries, blackberries, and dark cherries on the nose and palate. What a structure and length. This wine caresses you beautifully with silky gloves, giving you sweet dreams for the rest of your life. The balance in this wine is simply extraordinary. A masterpiece and truly a legend in winemaking. 2015-2045.

La Mission Haut Brion 1999 92p

Tasted in May 2007. Still young wine, broad-shouldered, robust, and tannic. It had a delicate balance and plenty of cassis/raspberries to work with. This wine needs at least ten years from now to reveal its fine potential.

La Mission Haut Brion 1998 96p

Tasted in July 2008. Closed at the opening - needed 1.5 hours in the decanter to show its undeniable qualities. Dark and dense, with a very intense aroma of blackcurrants, leather, and cherries. Very powerful on the palate with depth and sophisticated touch. It's a beautifully crafted wine with superb balance and a long aftertaste. It's one to keep for additional 15-20 years.

La Mission Haut Brion 1995 95p

Tasted in February 2010. This wine did as it always does, which means captivating from the start with its silky texture, the sweetness of fruit, stunning balance, striking elegance, excellent concentration, and sophisticated "look" Wonderful wine to keep for another 20-25 years of enjoyment.

La Mission Haut Brion 1994 95p

Tasted in December 2013. It is an excellent example of meticulous cellar work done in this challenging vintage. The pretty and enchanting nose of cassis, truffles, and some leather. Silky and smooth on the palate, medium concentrated, classy, distinguished and sophisticated, sheer elegance. Wonderfully balanced and juicy tannin keeps the wine fresh. Nineteen years old wine - a teenager - can hold for 20-30 years, no problem. Stunning wine for the vintage!

La Mission Haut Brion 1985 95p

Tasted twice - last time in February 2010. Consistent notes. Whoa! The aroma on the nose lifts you in the air. There are truffles, chocolate, mocha, and cocoa. It's a hugely sophisticated wine in a silky package with many nuances. Multi-layered, long, and caressing wine. Bordeaux at its very best!!!

La Mission Haut Brion 1975 87p

Tasted in September 2006. Raspberry drops on the nose, bone-dry tannin on the palate, short. The fruit here was forced in defense by tannin. This wine was tough to find out about, but it was apparent that it needed to be stored properly.

La Mission Haut Brion 1974 87p

Tasted in September 2006. Medium red. Earthy nose and palate with wet tobacco and smell of forest floor. Nice length on the palate. A mature and uncomplicated wine that should be enjoyed within the next few years.

La Mission Haut Brion 1973 86p

Tasted in September 2006. Magnum bottle. It was similar to LMHB 1969 but less firm in stature. Weather conditions weren't at all optimal for making a wine of high quality. This wine should be consumed immediately.

La Mission Haut Brion 1972 85p

Tasted in September 2006. A pleasant wine with an aroma of extracted coffee on the nose. Relatively light and short on the palate with apparent symptoms of advanced age. It showed a rapid decline.

La Mission Haut Brion 1971 95p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2015. Consistent notes. Medium red. Plenty of fruit sweetness on the nose with buttermilk added chocolate powder. Deep and attractive. Fat on the palate with mocha and chocolate, long and rich. This wine was charmingly put together and a fabulous example of La Mission's capacity. It should keep its excellent qualities for another ten years. Still impressive nine-year after (2015).

La Mission Haut Brion 1970 87p

Tasted in September 2006. Light red. Very Cabernet-dominated wine, relatively soft and pleasant on the palate. Even if this wine was more or less free of errors, it hadn't impressed at all. Didn't live up to the excellent reputation of the vintage.

La Mission Haut Brion 1969 86p

Tasted in September 2006. Pale red. Sweet buttermilk with rusks on the nose, pleasant and round on the palate. Acidity is very present but without getting out of control. Relatively light but reasonably tasty wine. Fully mature.

La Mission Haut Brion 1968 87p

Tasted in September 2006. Same style as one year older sister, but somewhat fresher, with more weight and length on the palate. Some fruit sweetness on the nose. Quite successful wine for the vintage.

La Mission Haut Brion 1966 87p

Tasted in September 2006. Medium red. A pleasant smell of forest floor, marked by acidity and light on the palate. There was still some sweetness left in the fruit in this wine, and it was enjoyable and round. OK, effort.

La Mission Haut Brion 1965 84p

Tasted in September 2006. Medium red. The medicinal smell of gauze bandage and precisely so on the palate. Strange wine, which was atypical for this property. We ought to know in which corner of the world this wine had been before it landed on our table.

La Mission Haut Brion 1964 85p

Tasted in September 2006. Quite pale. Some fruit sweetness on the nose and pronounced acidity on the palate. Tasted a little of old strawberry compote. This wine is supposed to be one of the better ones for La Mission, so it was evident that our bottle had yet to experience perfect storage through the years.

La Mission Haut Brion 1962 91p

Tasted twice - last time in July 2014. Not consistent notes. Medium red. The splendid nose of sweet berries added some chocolate. Complex, deep, and concentrated on the palate, elegant, gracious, and with sufficient length. Delicious wine, which has been able to keep beautiful. No signs of advanced age here! Eight years later (2014), this wine seemed fully mature and had a smell. Some wine freaks say it is typical of old La Mission oysters. There were also extracted coffee beans and fading fruit. I rated it 88p. Probably not a bottle from the same source I tasted in September 2006.

La Mission Haut Brion 1961 96p

Tasted in September 2006. Close to 1955 La Mission in terms of style and quality, but without the same intensity on the nose and palate. There was, however, no doubt that this wine was sublime and of extremely high quality. It will last for another 5-7 years in the cellar.

La Mission Haut Brion 1960 92p

Tasted in September 2006. A scoop! Deep red. The delicious sweetness of fruit and intensity on the nose, splendidly composed on the palate with power, sappiness, and plenty of tannin. Brilliantly made wine. Was it the case of a difference in the quality of this wine in the cask before bottling? It can be kept for additional 3-5 years.

La Mission Haut Brion 1959 98p

Tasted in September 2006. Barely as extravagant as its big "brother", but there were plenty of beautiful ingredients. Intense on the nose and palate. It had an evident mark of Cabernet Sauvignon with mint, blackcurrants, and leather. It was incredibly refined on the palate. Aristocratic and terrifically delicious wine. It still has 10-12 years more life in it.

La Mission Haut Brion 1958 93p

Tasted in September 2006. Deep red. Buttermilk in company with cocoa and chocolate on the nose and palate. Splendid harmony between fruit and tannin, very ripe blackcurrants. Excellent concentration and length on the palate. This delicious and well-crafted wine did show La Mission's ability to make sumptuous wines in less good vintages. Can keep like this for another 2-4 years.

La Mission Haut Brion 1957 95p

Tasted in September 2006. Surprisingly very dark color. Pleasant aroma of ripe blackcurrants and raspberries on the nose, stunningly well-composed on the palate, delicious and well-balanced. Long aftertaste completed this beauty of a wine. Imposing wine for the vintage and one to keep for additional 4-6 years.

Haut Brion 1955 and La Mission Haut Brion 1955

La Mission Haut Brion 1955 99p

Tasted in September 2006. Belgian bottling. A sophisticated nose full of sweet cherries and raspberries. Well-composed on the palate with remarkably significant concentration, length, and aftertaste. Refined and in perfect balance. Excellent wine of exceptionally high quality, which captivates you. Even if this wine rounded 51 in 2006, it'd easily keep for 6-8 years more.

La Mission Haut Brion 1953 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away. Damn! Yet another poorly stored bottle!

La Mission Haut Brion 1952 94p

Tasted in September 2006. French negociant bottling. Medium red. A splendid intensity of ripe blackcurrants on the nose and palate. It was concentrated, relatively young on the palate, had a dense, firm structure, and had a long aftertaste. Just terrific wine, which quickly can improve. 6-8 more years in the cellar.

La Mission Haut Brion 1950 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away.

La Mission Haut Brion 1949 97p

Tasted in September 2006. This wine had a fabulous and catching aroma of truffles and dark cherries. Even if the palate wasn't as stunning as on the nose, this wine was highly well-composed, in a delicate balance, and fresh. Almost a perfect wine, which will last for 4-6 years.

La Mission Haut Brion 1948 96p

Tasted in September 2006. Deep red. Truffles, refined, plenty of ripe blackcurrants on the nose and palate. Beautifully composed and delicious on the palate. It finished with a dry aftertaste, but this wine was a sublime experience. It can last for additional 3-5 years.

La Mission Haut Brion 1947 95p

Tasted in September 2006. It reminded me much of 1948 but with less intensity and lesser composition. But there was no reason for lamenting because this wine was a true heartbreaker with its delicate approach.

La Mission Haut Brion 1946 91p

Tasted in September 2006. Strangely enough, La Mission's homepage must mention or describe this vintage! Our bottle wasn't fake - it looked and tasted like genuine wine. It had quite a delicious aroma of coffee beans and mocha, added sweet fruit. Acidity pushed a lot, but the balance of the wine didn't suffer. Acceptable length on the palate. Successful wine, which only traveled a little around the world.

La Mission Haut Brion 1945 100p

Tasted in September 2006. Lots of delicious lusciousness on the nose med captivating aroma of cherries. Great intensity and depth. Extremely concentrated and powerful on the palate with enormous richness, perfect balance, and stunningly long aftertaste. Despite 61 years on its "birth" certificate, Exceptional wine which was extremely young on the tasting day, and what a catch it was! It was an ideally stored bottle, the one we got, and if you own such one, it can keep for decades to come.

La Mission Haut Brion 1944 90p

Tasted in September 2006. Dark coca-cola color. It presented nicely with delicate balance, considerable depth, and fine structure. Well-rounded palate with a delicate aftertaste. Charming wine for the vintage. Also, this vintage should be mentioned on La Mission's homepage.

La Mission Haut Brion 1943 87p

Tasted in September 2006. Some sweetness on the nose, elegant but also light. Quite harmonious. It tasted of strawberry compote and had a fine structure. Nice wine, but relatively simple. It should be consumed quickly.

La Mission Haut Brion 1942 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away.

La Mission Haut Brion 1941 92p

Tasted in September 2006. A very positive surprise. Medium red with mocha chocolate on the nose and palate. There is a delicate balance here, but tannin occasionally makes its presence obvious, and the wine is surprisingly long on the palate. It is a beautiful wine for the vintage and not at all as bad as the property's website describes it. It still has some years to go.

La Mission Haut Brion 1937 82p

Tasted in September 2006. Dark red. Unfortunately, there was very little of life left in this wine. This vintage isn't even mentioned on the property's website. It was well on its way to the grave.

La Mission Haut Brion 1935 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away.

La Mission Haut Brion 1934 83p

Tasted in September 2006. Dark red. The nose of extracted coffee beans and saltiness on the palate. There was almost nothing left of sweetness and fruit in this wine. Like 1937 La Mission, it hasn't found the way to the history book of the property, and deservedly so.

La Mission Haut Brion 1929 0p

Tasted in September 2006. Oxidized/passed away.

La Mission Haut Brion 1928 83p

Tasted in September 2006. Tasted a bit like port wine with pepper. Otherwise same story as La Mission 1934.

La Mission Haut Brion 1927 87p

Tasted in September 2006. Quite an intense nose with gooseberries nice palate. Even if this wine never would find its way to the history book, it was pretty pleasant to taste.

La Mission Haut Brion 1924 86p

Tasted in September 2006. It smelled of truffles and was light and quite salty. All in all, a pleasant and reasonable wine, which didn't make much "noise". There was, anyway, not that much to be excited about.

La Mission Haut Brion 1921 87p

Tasted in September 2006. Medium red with a brownish edge. The vanilla bar and cocoa powder had a pleasant aroma, but the palate could have been more impressive, just dry and fragile. If you take both nose and palate into account, this wine was quite lovely and quite enjoyable.

La Mission Haut Brion 1920 83p

Tasted in September 2006. Strawberry compote and old raspberry drops. Dry and anonymous on the palate. This wine was having its last days, and a priest had been brought in.

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LAVILLE HAUT BRION (white La Mission Haut Brion) - beginning with vintage 2009, this wine has changed its name to LA MISSION HAUT BRION BLANC

La Mission Haut Brion 2022 white (barrel sample) 97+p

Tasted in April 2023. 72% Semillon + 28% S. Blanc. Significantly more Semillon in the blend compared to recent vintages. Aromatic pineapple and citrus, white peach, great acidity and complexity on the palate. Finesse and elegance. Long and lingering finish. Tremendous effort.

La Mission Haut Brion 2021 white (barrel sample) 97p

Tasted in April 2022. 55% Semillon + 45% Semillon. Aromatic pineapple and citrus, acacia flower, great acidity and complexity, crisp fruit, tension, and minerality on the palate. Long and lingering finish. Tremendous effort. 

La Mission Haut Brion 2020 white (barrel sample) 95-96p

Tasted in May 2021. Freshness, acacia flower, fine acidity, crisp fruit, great elegance, and finesse. Sophisticated touch. Terrific effort. 

La Mission Haut Brion 2018 white (barrel sample) 95p

Tasted in March 2019. Freshness, acacia flower, nice acidity, tasty, great elegance, and finesse. Sophisticated touch.  Not as thrilling as the 2017 vintage.

La Mission Haut Brion 2017 white (barrel sample) 97+p

Tasted in March 2018. This wine was more elegant, had more finesse than Haut Brion, and had great acidity and crispiness. Very sophisticated wine.

La Mission Haut Brion white 2016 95p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2019. Consistent notes. This wine was vibrant with excellent acidity and depth, delicate apple, citrus, and lemongrass aromas, and great complexity, balance, structure, and length. Impressive effort.

La Mission Haut Brion white 2015 (barrel sample) 95p

Tasted in April 2016. (72% Semillon + 28% Sauvignon Blanc). Vibrant with excellent acidity and depth, a delicate apple, citrus, and lemongrass aroma, great complexity, balance, structure, and length. Impressive effort.

La Mission Haut Brion white 2014 96p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. Rich, aromatic (acacia honey and apple), excellent acidity, sophisticated and with finesse, great complexity, and length. A perfect wine for the vintage.

La Mission Haut Brion white 2013 (barrel sample) 94p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2014. Consistent notes. This wine was intense, with a delicate apple, citrus, and lemongrass aroma, great complexity, balance, structure, and length. Impressive effort.

La Mission Haut Brion white 2012 95p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. This wine was robust with a strong apple, citrus, and lemongrass aroma, excellent complexity, balance and structure, and great length. Excellent stuff.

La Mission Haut Brion white 2011 96p

Tasted in March 2012. This gem of wine was intense, pure, and refined on the nose, full of apple, pear, and lemongrass, with penetrating aromas, freshness, great acidity, balance, depth, and length. Smooth and caressing aftertaste. A stunning effort for the vintage. In September 2014, this wine was like a splendid intensity of acacia flower and green apple, with superb balance, complexity and acidity, delicate elegance, and sophisticated touch. Beautiful wine.

La Mission Haut Brion white 2010 96+p

Tasted twice - last time in September 2013. Consistent notes. This wine (80% Semillon + 20% S. Blanc) displayed a fabulous acacia flower, exquisite balance, complexity and acidity, stunning concentration, and aftertaste. Simply beautiful stuff.

La Mission Haut Brion white 2009 96p

Tasted three times - last time in September 2012. Consistent notes. Lovely, complex nose of acacia, pear, and citrus. Fabulously refined on the palate. Great intensity fruit supported by excellent acidity and balance. Fat fruity finish. Fabulous stuff.

Laville Haut Brion 2008 95p

Tasted four times - last time in September 2011. Consistent notes. 44% of the harvest into Grand Vin, 79% Semillon + 21% Sauvignon Blanc. It displayed fresh aromas of lemongrass, citrus, and apple, great acidity, finesse, elegance, and a delicate finish. Awesome wine.

Laville Haut Brion 2007 96p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. 83% Sémillon + 17% Sauvignon Blanc. Green yellow. Acacia flower, citrus, and apple on the nose, aromatic and very intense. It was splendidly balanced on the palate with fresh acidity and, on the whole, an excellent effort for the vintage.

Laville Haut Brion 2006 94p

We tasted five times - last time in February 2010. Consistent notes. This wine was very aromatic with mango, acacia flower, and some peach. Fresh, deep structure, rich, subtle, superb balance, and long aftertaste. A fabulous wine for 15-20 years of cellaring.

Laville Haut Brion 2005 96p

Tasted three times - last time in September 2015. Consistent notes. This wine displayed a great classy nose of acacia flower and lemongrass, splendid acidity and depth, great complexity, balance, structure, and length. Impressive effort.

Laville Haut Brion 2004 94p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2007. Consistent notes. Splendid balance, acacia honey, and acacia flower, rich and nuanced on the palate. Excellent and has a long aftertaste. Formidable wine. One to keep for an additional ten years.

Laville Haut Brion 2003 (barrel sample) 92-93p

Tasted in April 2004. Similar in style to Haut Brion white 2003, but less rich and concentrated. Superb wine to lay down for 8-12 years.

Laville Haut Brion 2002 97p

Tasted twice - last time in March 2005. Consistent notes. Stunningly intense and aromatic. Lovely structure, refined and long on the palate. Extravagant. This was a fine example of how exceptional the 2002 vintage is for the white Bordeaux! 2008-2020.

Laville Haut Brion 2001 95p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2008. Consistent notes. Sublime aromas of acacia, citrus, and flower honey. Sublime on the palate, sublime in structure, and sublime finish. Fascinating wine. 2008-2020.

Laville Haut Brion 2000 94p

Tasted in September 2003. Less flattering than in 2001, but the high quality remained intact. Intense fruit (honey melon and peach) and corresponding fine acidity. Remarkable finesse. This wine had much to offer. 2006-2015.

Laville Haut Brion 1948 99p

Tasted in February 2009. This wine makes me love white Bordeaux even more than I already have. Wonderfully composed with perfect balance between acidity and fruit, exquisite and sophisticated and with great length. It's this fascinating touch of sweetness that white Bordeaux gets with age. There's no sign of tiredness, the aroma of Madeira, or oxidation. It is heaven, and I'm in heaven! White Bordeaux rules!

Laville Haut Brion 1945 93p

Tasted in May 2020. It tasted on the same flight as 1939 but looked younger in color, so I thought it was 1939 before both identities were revealed. Still virile and lively, acidity was still there, complex, tasty, and smooth finish.

Laville Haut Brion 1939 88p

Tasted in May 2020. Very dark yellow, with a nose of sherry and lanoline, it tasted like demi-sec wine with a touch of sweetness and was interesting to taste. A curiosity.

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