Chateau Haut Brion, 1971 Red Wine
Pessac Leognan 1er Grand Cru Classe (High Shoulder - Small nick to the label)
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 13%
Price:
$791.72 USD
Description
The 1971 Haut Brion is one of the stand-out wines from the mediocre 1971 vintage - This well-stored bottle should be no exception. Reviewers have consistently noted that the wine is still in the plateau of its maturity having structure and complexity with a good core of fruit.
About Chateau Haut Brion Château Haut-Brion, located in the illustrious Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, France, is a legendary estate revered for its unparalleled heritage and commitment to producing wines of extraordinary quality. With a history spanning over five centuries, this historic property has been at the forefront of Bordeaux winemaking, setting the standard for excellence and innovation. The vineyards, planted on gravelly and clay-limestone soils, are meticulously tended and predominantly feature Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, yielding grapes of exceptional complexity and character. Embracing sustainable viticulture practices and employing precise winemaking techniques, Château Haut-Brion crafts wines that are renowned for their elegance, finesse, and remarkable aging potential. Renowned as one of the original First Growths of Bordeaux, Château Haut-Brion's wines continue to captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide, epitomizing the pinnacle of Bordeaux winemaking excellence and maintaining the estate's esteemed reputation as one of the most iconic producers in the world.
Condition
High shoulder
Very small nick to label (as per photo)
Very slight corrosion on capsule
Part of a connoisseur's collection, kept in a private cellar in Berkshire until removal for sale
Reviews
The 1971 Château Haut-Brion has held its chin up high, despite never being one of the best vintages of the decade. Now at 44 years of age, it has a decent, ferrous nose, remnants of black fruit, but all a bit dusty and lacking cohesion—as if the stitches have become unsewn with time. The palate is medium-bodied with moderate depth. There is not so much weight here as you would expect given the growing season, light touches of hickory and sage littering the entry, tapering gently towards an austere finish. Drink this up soon, but don't overlook its charm. Tasted June 2015.
94 points John Gilman
The 1971 Haut-Brion continues to drink beautifully and remains right in the center of its plateau of peak maturity. I have drunk this wine on four or five occasions in the last couple of years and it has always performed with distinction, but this most recent bottle in late August was one of the best I have tasted in recent times, with a bit more backend grip and structural chassis that has been evident in some of the other, perfumed and very velvety examples that I have enjoyed. This most recent bottle was stellar, wafting from the glass in a complex and classic Haut-Brion blend of cassis, charred tobacco, a nice touch of meatiness, singed soil tones and a very smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and utterly suave on the attack, with a lovely core of fruit, impeccable balance and a very, very long and focused finish that closes with still a faint touch of backend tannin. Most recent bottles have been around 93 points, but this was even better! 94+ (7/2017)