Tasting Notes
Vinous – 97
The 2016 Haut-Brion has a ripe, delineated and focused bouquet, exquisite black fruit laced with graphite that gains intensity in the glass, and just a background hint of Valrhona chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a keen line of acidity and gentle grip, cashmere-textured, with a composed and very harmonious, mineral-rich finish that displays just a little alcohol. But the balance and poise feel uncompromised and result in a sublime creation. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Anticipated maturity: 2029-2055
JancisRobinson.com – 18.5
Tasted blind. Lustrous dark ruby. Very seductive. Rich and sweet and gorgeous. With a little lift on the (slightly hot) end. (JR)
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2044
Robert Parker – 100
The 2016 Haut-Brion is blended of 56% Merlot, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is at once profound and arresting, offering drop-dead gorgeous Morello cherries, lilacs and red rose scents with a core of Black Forest cake, warm blackcurrants and blueberry preserves plus wafts of sandalwood and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the elegantly crafted palate is completely packed with intense floral, mineral and cassis-laced flavors with a firm frame of very finely pixelated tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and achingly stunning.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2070
