critic reviews
Just beginning to fully blossom into truffles and crushed roses, still with the autumnal fruits cradled by firm but fine tannins. A thoroughly seductive wine, easy to fall into, at a great moment to drink, giving hints of tertiary while still walking the line. Jean-Bernard Delmas director.
The 2000 La Mission Haut-Brion is consistent with my most recent note, although I must admit that I felt there was a touch more brett on the nose than the previous example. Black cherries and iodine to the fore, with some undergrowth and Provençal herbs, it is very complex. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced and still peppery with a saline finish. Excellent, but I'm going to detract a point for that brett. Tasted at the château.
One of the wines that I selected for the 67 Pall Mall Advent Calendar (in what has got to be my favourite job I have ever done), and wow this is good. Still densely packed with fruit and tannins even at 21 years old, fully hitting its stride. Open enough to be generous, especially after a few hours in a carafe, but young enough to remain juicy and concentrated, layer upon layer of caressing blackberry and cassis fruits, tobacco, cigar leaf, olive tapenade and grilled cedar. A vintage that was 1.5C higher temperatures than average pretty much throughout the growing season, with big tannins that needed time, but are now velvety and welcoming.