1989 CHÂTEAU HAUT BRION 1989

(02-2022) A spectacular wine that only goes from strength to strength, and which ranks among the pinnacles of my birth year vintage, the 1989 Haut-Brion wafts from the glass with a rich bouquet of blackberries, blackcurrants, cigar wrapper, loamy soil, black truffle, burning embers and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's sumptuous and dramatic, with huge reserves of fruit that are complemented by carnal, savory nuances and framed by melting tannins and ripe acids. Concluding with a long, resonant finish, the only criticism one can make is that a 750-milliliter bottle simply isn't enough..

(04-2022) Perhaps all I need to say is, Heart-stopping! From start to finish, this is off the charts. Power, concentration, elegance, refinement, length and complexity is here in spades. If the nose doesn't steal the show, it is the more than 60-second finish that lingers, expands, builds and fleshes out. Give it an hour or so in the decanter or enjoy it over the next 3 decades or longer.

(01-2000) Also extremely dark, with just a little ruby at the rim. Fantastic nose, just fantastic. Lots os sweet, toasty oak but layered with earthy black fruits, truffle, woodsmoke and little glimpses of exotic spices, briary wood and cedar. This is a real show-stopper. Superb sweetness and complexity on the palate, with a little burnt caramel note, silky, glycerine-rich texture and fine concentration and complexity. Acidity and fine tannins really make their presence felt into the finish which is extraordinarily long. Possibly my wine of the night. I last tasted this just two months ago with very consistent notes.

(09-2017) A sensational wine that tastes even younger at the chateau when it has never traveled - it tastes at least 3-5 years younger than the bottles I have enjoyed in Hong Kong. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest wines of the 20th century with a completeness that is indescribable. Opulent without pretension, power with finesse, ripe without heaviness and incredibly long. A gorgeous wine that sets the standard for the best of Bordeaux.

(03-2013) Very pretty nose of black fruit, licorice ... and charm. The mouth is perfect. The balance, gentleness concentration. It is creamy, velvety, concentrated, full, long. Nothing is missing. It is a great privilege to taste the wine. It is perfect and deserves its rating without hesitation.

(11-2001)