2007 Ch. Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

This outstanding Haut-Brion may not have the opulence of Mouton or the sheer class of Latour but its power, breeding and structure arguably make it the most complete First Growth in 2007. It is a Cabernet-dominated Haut-Brion with 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc alongside 43% Merlot. A majestic nose with bitter chocolate hints is followed by a palate of immense power (for 2007) with gloriously rich, sweet black fruit, minerals, tobacco and mocha and big but velvety tannins. With perfect balance, weight and poise, Haut-Brion is in another dimension to almost every other 2007 we have tasted. Bravo.

"43% Merlot, 44% Cab. Sauvignon, 13% Cab. Franc... My first smell of this wine reminded me of what had been missing in my two days of Bordeaux tasting up to then: sheer Bordeaux class! Nuances, top notes and bottom notes. Some spice, a hint of top quality oak, lots of Haut-Brion minerality. Lovely spread across the palate - very supple - even in this wine no great tannic charge. All the thrill is up front. ... Very sensitively made, possibly the best red bordeaux 2007 of all, but still definitely a 2007! ... Not much volume but what there is has been beautifully handled." (Jancis Robinson - www.jancisrobinson.com - Apr 08)

"Dense, purple-red. Spicy nose, with cherry and coffee aromas, bright. Palate has voluptuous, silky fruit, good ripeness and firm tannins with a touch of greenness evident. Very silky, lovely weight of fruit and excellent balance. Easier, shorter-term wine than recent vintages"
(Beverley Blanning MW - Apr 08)