1989 Château La Mission Haut-Brion (Laville) Blanc
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Tasting notes
Like many wines of this vintage, the 1989 Laville-Haut-Brion Blanc has a solar style and a dense, complex bouquet, evoking aromas of pear, orchard fruit, apricot and spices with perfectly integrated oak. The wine is layered, textured, charming and perfectly balanced on the palate, with incredible depth at the core and a delicate texture. It’s a brilliant wine, currently at its peak but which may last another four to eight years.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1989 Laville Haut-Brion is the first time that I have tasted this particular vintage. It's a deep straw tinge, but clear. The bouquet has plenty of richness, slightly honeyed scents, and perhaps just a little botrytis in the mix. With aeration, melted candle wax and roasted walnuts begin to emerge. The palate is well-balanced and armed with impressive weight, leaning slightly towards German Riesling in style. There is something rather "gentle" about this mature, dry white, although it doesn't possess the nervosité of the best vintages. Returning to my glass after an hour, it has not transmogrified into something spectacular as this wine is wont to do. But still lovely. Tasted at the 1989 Bordeaux dinner at 67 Pall Mall.
Deep dark gold. Medicinal notes on the nose with some hazelnuts. A little low in acidity initially but then some tangy lemon acidity creeps up on the back palate. Floral and fresh. Not quite as harmonious as an Haut-Brion Blanc 1985 served alongside. (JR)