2000 Chateau Haut-Brion Premier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 1x750ml

Robert Parker 99+

Tasted from an ex-chateau bottle in Bordeaux, I was not surprised to find the 2000 Chateau Haut-Brion flirting with perfection. The nose is simply breathtaking – quintessential Haut-Brion with ebullient red berry fruit, roasted herbs, gravel, terracotta tiles on a warm summer’s day…it is simply wave after wave of intoxicating scents that could bring even the most stoic person to tears of joy. The palate displays heavenly balance, pitch-perfect acidity, perhaps spicier than previous bottles that I have tasted, and what depth and dimension in this outstanding wine. That hint of graphite on the finish is a cheeky nod to Pauillac, as if to thumb its nose at the First Growths, because alongside Chateau Latour, almost by stealth, the Haut-Brion is one of the greatest Bordeaux in this millennial year. Tasted November 2014. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2060