Press review

Alles über Wein # 3/2004 (6/1/2004) : 93-95

Decanter # 29-2 (6/1/2004) : Decanter Award Maturity: 2012-2035

Very deep ruby, lovely velvety depth, pure roses and 'not stones' fragrance on the nose, concentration of small red berry fruit translated into a pure vineyard expression of great elegance, suavity and length.

Jean-Marc Quarin (5/1/2008) : 18 (95) Maturity: 2008-2030

Tasted while decanted. I have tasted it four times this year, twice at the estate, and twice from purchased bottled. It always showed very well. My ratings consistently rank it around 18-18,25 // 95-96. This wine is currently the best bargain that can be made in Bordeaux’ first Growths. Lovely, dark and intense color. Fine, fruity, fresh and ripe nose. Quite complex. Suave, distinguished on entry, it shows a subtle texture. The wine develops aromatic, melting, juicy, and mellow, with a more exotic character than La Mission (with 58 % merlot). Rich and profound finish, tasty, vibrant and with a tight weaving. It finishes subtle, on a taste of mulberry jelly. This is a delicious wine that can start to be enjoyed now and before 2030. A blend of 58% merlot, 31% cabernet sauvignon and 11% cabernet franc. Pleasure score: 17 // 92

Neal Martin's Wine Journal (3/1/2008) : 92 Maturity: 2012012-2

This has a lovely lift on the nose with scents of blackberry, a touch of black olives and forest floor. Good definition: very Pessac. The palate is full-bodied, quite burly and savoury with cassis, blackberry and a touch of cedar. Lacks a little finesse for me. Huge grip on the finish, which has a slight irony element to it. A great wine compromised by the growing season. Drink 2012-2025. Tasted January 2007.

Parker # 164 (4/1/2006) : 95 Maturity: -2036

The blockbuster 2003 Haut-Brion (13% alcohol) possesses extremely high tannin, but that component is well-concealed by a cascade of mulberry, blackberry, cherry, and plum-like fruit. There is even a hint of figs under the blue and red fruit spectrum. While broad and ripe with a sweet, glyceral mouthfeel as well as a long, powerful, persistent finish, it retains its elegance and nobility. A wine of both power and finesse.

Wein Gourmet # 2/2004 : 96-100

Weinwisser (René Gabriel) # 6/2004 (6/28/2004) : 19/20 Maturity: 2015-2050

Wine Spectator # web (4/5/2004) : 95-100

Incredibly intense aromas of tobacco, chocolate, toasted oak and currants. Superripe and exotic. Full-bodied, with great depth of fruit and velvety tannins. Very long. This reminds me of the 1989. Jean-Philippe Delmas says it could be better than 2000. I certainly agree.

The property in brief

1st classified growth in 1855. Haut Brion was founded in 1525 by Jean de Pontac and since then, many illustrious personalities succeeded each other as owners. The lasted among them was Clarence Douglas Dillon, American financial minister under the Kennedy government. Today, the continuity and presence of the Dillon family are ensured by Prince Robert of Luxembourg who watches over the destiny of Domaine Clarence Dillon S.A.S., having joined the management of the Company in June of 1997 and succeeding his mother Princess Joan de Mouchy as President at the end of July 2008. Haut Brion is the sole 1st classified growth from the 1855 classification which is outside of the Medoc appellation. Its terroir may be compared to the one of Latour. Even if it is not the more concentrated wine, Haut Brion ist the noblest wine of Pessac Leognan, and its longevity is incomparable. The silky structure of the tannins is always exceptional. Classed Premier Cru of the Gironde in 1855, and Cru de Graves in 1953 , Château Haut-Brion was also classed thus in 1973, and although this latest classification only concerned the Médoc whilst Haut-Brion is located in the Graves appellation, the minutes of the 1973 classification meeting state: The jury, considering the situation of Château Haut-Brion and its long traditional connections with the Médoc Premiers Crus, and taking into account this tradition, the customs and practices on the one hand, together with its very eminent virtues on the other, has deemed it to be worthy of featuring alongside the Médoc’s Premiers Crus Classés