1987 Laville Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
The 1987 Laville Haut-Brion is a vexing wine at first. There is a “funk” on the nose, demonstrating a lot of reduction that I thought would never be rectified, even with vigorous aeration. However that potent struck match scent eventually does dissipate to reveal Laville’s trademark scents of honeysuckle and beeswax, a touch of pressed white flowers and fennel. The palate is well balanced, although, again, it takes time to reveal delineation and composure. There is pleasant weight and length, although it does not quite fire up in the glass like other vintages. Perhaps this is one where the sulphur management could have been better? Not bad, but not the best Laville Haut-Brion of the decade. Tasted at a white Bordeaux-themed private dinner in London.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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As I have said many times, 1987 turned out to be a very good vintage for the white wines of Graves. This is a lighter-weight Laville-Haut-Brion, but its wonderfully precise herb, melon, and fig-like flavors are offered in a medium-bodied format with a great deal of charm and character. There is enough acidity to give the wine some lift, and add focus to its medium-bodied flavors. Drink this charmer between now and 2001. Last tasted, 1/93.
As I have said many times, 1987 turned out to be a very good vintage for the white wines of Graves. This is a lighter-weight Laville-Haut-Brion, but its wonderfully precise herb, melon, and fig-like flavors are offered in a medium-bodied format with a great deal of charm and character. There is enough acidity to give the wine some lift, and add focus to its medium-bodied flavors. Drink this charmer between now and 2001. Last tasted, 1/93. Aug 1993, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion – sister estate of Ch. Haut-Brion and part of the Clarence Dillon stable – is one of the greatest estates in all of Bordeaux. Based in Pessac-Léognan but not officially classified, it produces outstanding red and white wines.