| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 1995 Haut-Brion is currently strutting its stuff: dark berry fruit, Earl Grey tea and warm red brick flourish on the nose, classic yet vibrant and compelling. The palate has reached its plateau after nigh 30 years, with finely embroidered tannins, impressive fruit and weight, yet with First Growth’s signature sophistication and charm on the svelte, slightly peppery, almost understated finish. It knows it doesn’t have to do too much to impress you. Drink 2024-2050.
It is fun to go back and forth between the 1995 and 1996, two superb vintages for Haut-Brion. The 1995 seems to have sweeter tannin and a bit more fat and seamlessness when compared to the more structured and muscular 1996. Certainly 1995 was a vintage that the brilliant administrator Jean Delmas handled flawlessly. The result is a deep ruby/purple-coloured wine with a tight but promising nose of burning wood embers intermixed with vanilla, spice box, earth, mineral, sweet cherry, blackcurrant, plum-like fruit, medium to full body, a high level of ripe but sweet tannin, and a finish that goes on for a good 40-45 seconds. This wine is just beginning to emerge from a very closed state where it was unyielding and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035.
Sweet tobacco, blackberries and violets on the nose. Subtle. Full-bodied and very tight, with fantastic tannins and a long caressing finish. Wonderful texture. All in reserve still. Give this time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010.
Just lovely wine, and the only one that was not dominated by a single variety, being a Cabernet/Merlot blend. Excellent lustrous, nuanced ruby.. Clearly a very fine mature wine. Strong liquorice notes (Haut-Brion 'warm bricks' earthiness?) For a second I wondered if it was a 1998 Hermitage. Very complex. Spread across the palate. My guess is that no one dared guess it was a first growth but we were looking for appreciation in the comments box...
This wine possesses a saturated ruby/purple color, as well as a beautiful, knockout set of aromatics, consisting of black fruits, vanillin, spice, and wood-fire smoke. Multidimensional and rich, with layers of ripe fruit, and beautifully integrated tannin and acidity, this medium - to full bodied wine is a graceful, seamless, exceptionnal Haut Brion that should drink surprisingly well young. Anticipated maturity 2000-2030.
Tasted in Bordeaux, it has been a few years since I last encountered the Haut-Brion 1995. Deep garnet in colour, it has a high-toned bouquet, much more youthful than I was expecting, with dark plum, fresh tobacco, tertiary/damp moss and wild mushroom. The palate is full-bodied and simply purrs with class. Certainly well into its drinking plateau, the '95 has great depth and dimension, earthy notes developing as the wine opens up, mellowing and in some ways reminding me of the lovely 1982. Sedate, composed and very long in the mouth. Beautiful. 2014 - 2025
Some hint of orange at the rim. Bright crimson. Some distinctive oak note on the nose. Rather luscious sweet fruit on the front palate and then fine, sandy tannins on the finish. Pretty nice and complete for current and future drinking.Drink 2007-20
