Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts and Wine
Online-Only Auction, 16 - 23 November 2020
Wine
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Château Haut-Brion is the only First Growth situated in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, and its unique terroir has produced prized wines for close to 600 years. After a visit on May 25, 1787, Thomas Jefferson wrote in his diary; “The soil of Haut-Brion, which I examined in great detail, is made up of sand, in which there is near as much round gravel or small stones and very little loam like the soils of the Médoc.”. Typical of the Left Bank of Bordeaux, the 50-hectare property is planted to all the allowed red and white grape varieties, with the Haut-Brion Blanc often demanding higher prices than that of the red.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Wonderful aromas of dried flowers, currant, berries and mineral. Full-bodied, yet reserved and refined. Lovely texture, with a pure silk feel. Seamless and beautiful. Great length. Even better than from barrel.’ – Wine Spectator, 95/100 (Mar 2007)
‘It has been a few years since I last tasted the 2004 Haut-Brion. Now at 12 years of age, it retains its deep color. The bouquet is "pleasant" if not as complex as the 2004 Latour, yet it's possibly just biding its time as it gradually opens with black fruit, black olive, even a touch of mint that might dupe you into thinking Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied and very harmonious, almost caressing thanks to the Merlot lending that velvety texture. The second half changes tack, the Cabernet nudging the Merlot off the stage and delivering a more structured, possibly foursquare finish that is linear and correct. It is an excellent wine for the vintage although it will always be overshadowed by the 2005 inter alia. Maybe more personality just needs to develop? Drink 2020 - 2040.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Sep 2016)
‘Good deep ruby-red. Reticent nose showed some dark cherry with aeration. Densely packed but youthfully closed, even a bit austere today, offering hints of black raspberry and minerals. This is fairly tannic wine (the IPT is 72) but there's nothing hard about it. My sample gained in sweetness and texture with aeration, although its fruit character remained tightly wound. Give this time in a carafe if you plan to try it anytime soon. At this tasting, the '04 La Mission was showing much more personality.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 91+/100 (May 2007)