2003 Chateau Haut-Brion Premier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 12x75cl

Neal Martin 90

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 Rhone. 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 Academie du Vin dinner from ex-chateau magnum. [Neal Martin, 08/08/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2036

Vinous 94

Deep ruby-red. The freshest on the nose of the 2003s at this address, offering slightly high-toned smoky raspberry, minerals and graphite and a suggestion of medicinal austerity. Offers great breadth and early charm, but also possesses very firm underlying structure. Finishes with big, ripe tannins and outstanding grip and length. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2006]

Wine Advocate 95

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. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 28/08/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024