2003 Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
The 2003 Haut-Brion has a decadent bouquet with a payload of glossy black fruit. There's some warmth of alcohol here and just a touch of Brettanomyces. Yes, there is an element of the Northern Rhône. The palate has a sweet core of black fruit, plush with silky tannins and layers of blueberry and blackberry with an aniseed-tinged finish. It is a sensual wine, but at the end of the day, it does lack a bit of tension and pedigree. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner from ex-château magnum.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Even better, and clearly the best wine made in the Haut-Brion stable in 2003 (the last vintage of the great Jean-Bernard Delmas as administrator), the 2003 Haut-Brion is a blend of 58% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc that hit 13% natural alcohol, which seemed high at the time, but given more recent vintages is modest. Dark ruby/plum in color, with no amber or orange at the edge, the wine exhibits an abundance of roasted herbs, hot rocks, black currants, plum, and balsamic notes. Quite rich, medium to full-bodied and more complete, with sweeter tannins than La Mission Haut-Brion, this full-bodied Haut-Brion has hit full maturity, where it should stay for at least a decade. Bravo! These are two great successes in this vintage that have aged well and surprised me by their intensity and overall complexity.
Dark ruby. Opulent and sweet with some real depth of flavour. The slightly burnt note was more indicative of Haut-Brion's 'warm bricks' character than sunburnt grapes. Long, rich and quite satisfying. Lively and very fresh with a cool, dry finish. Not remotely like the stereotype of an overripe 2003. Neat and dry on the end. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Haut-Brion is the only classified growth in Pessac-Léognan. One of the five First Growths, it is renowned for producing both exceptional reds and whites. Along with its sister estate, Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion, it is part of the Clarence Dillon stable.