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Haut Brion 1995

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-LĂ©ognan
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Haut Brion

Label

Tasting Notes

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.

96
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (4), December 2003

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

95
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, September 2011

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.

95
James Suckling, Wine Spectator, January 2007

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...

18.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, March 2013
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97
Robert Parker, Hedonists Gazette, November 2003
96
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (3), November 1998

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.

96
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (115), February 1998

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

17.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, May 2008
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.