TN: 1969 Château Haut-Brion

[Matthew_B]

Quite impressed with this bottle. I knew it is a below average to poor vintage so I didn’t know what to expect, but the price was certainly right, so why not. When I removed the cork in one piece, I was concerned it was compromised (that concern being two different corks glued together) because there was a soft substance that had formed a complete ring about 1/3" below the top of the cork. Anyone else have experience with this (serious question)?

I scrapped it off to find it a great looking cork with proper markings. Why would anyone fake a '69 bdx, anyways? Paired with duck breast and caramelized turnips. Nice aromas of earth, leather and berries. Sour cherries on the palate and very balanced. Light tannins remaining, with short finish (at least for the pedigree of producer). For the price I paid I would buy a case. This bottle was not dead, but no reason to sit on it.

[BobH]

I had a 69 La Mission Haut Brion once. I think I rated it at about 65 points or so, I guess I am thinking you liked this a bit more.

[Thomas_Keim]

Some of these “off” vintages of the late 60s, early 70s can be quite surprising (with amazing bottle variation). I had a '72 Haut-Brion that was quite lovely last year, not a big wine but still nicely textured and soft in the mouth. Ditto with the '73 Mouton that has been ripped by every scribe known to man; I’ve never had a bad bottle of it. Thanks for the notes -

[Matthew_B]

Bob - That would be an understatement if you ranked it 65. I think I gave it a 91.

Thomas - Agreed. It didn’t have the concentration of better vintages but was very balanced and quite enjoyable to drink. I bought for $95, so the price was certainly right.

The image is the vintage description from the HB website.