1997 Château Haut-Brion - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan (3/30/2023)
Part of a larger tasting with a lot of really good wines, this clearly stood out, especially considering the low expectations from the vintage. Opened about two hours before we tried it, the aromatics were all about earthiness, aged tobacco and dusty, almost dried fruit. I really didn't need to drink it, as it smelled so wonderful I was happy to just take another sniff every minute or so. The aromatics alone were enough. That said it tasted very good as well, even if it was lighter in body than normal for a first growth. It also went through a couple of twits and turns, where it was richer for a few minutes, then got lighter, and then filled out again. Not a lot of structure left, so I think this was about as good a time as any to have opened it, and everyone around the table enjoyed, so job well done Haut-Brion!
I had a 1993 La Mission recently. No expectations, so surprised how good it was.
Haut-Brion tends to shine in less glamorous vintages and I too have found the 1997 an example of that trend. The 1994 has been another favorite.
I have limited experience with recent (post-1980) vintages, but this 1997 makes me believe that’s true. I would actually seek out more of this vintage. So good.
1993 is one of the insiders’ choice vintages for both HB and LMHB. Have magnums of both at home! Drinking beautifully today and cost a lot less than several inferior vintages for those estates.
Great note Dave, I love when a wine’s aromatics are enough. Just sets the stage; everything after that is usually icing. I’ve not had this specifically, but I’ve had some winners in the vintage. Sounds like a home run for you.
I think I posted before that I had a fantastic 1993 Haut brion a year or two ago and was shocked by how good it was. But when I went to look for it on the web it…wasn’t cheap. I guess there’s really no such thing as a “bargain” first growth, especially after threads like this!
Nope, there are not. But if you find one, PM me, don’t post. 