1953 Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
Clearly fully mature, but there was so much going on here with its smoky, tobacco packed profile, which also offered cedar, red currants menthol, truffle, spices, and fresh herbal notes. There is an assured elegance here that is a marvel. Everything is in balance, and harmony. What a wine! Drink from 2026-2033.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
One of my all-time favorite vintages for this estate is the 1953 Haut-Brion, a magical bottle of wine that attains a level of quality that's hard to surpass. Soaring from the glass with a striking bouquet of sweet red berries, cigar box, black truffles, exotic spices, rose petals and incense, it's full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with terrific concentration and a sumptuous, supple profile that lends the wine immense charm and appeal. Concluding with a long, expansive and fragrant finish, its pristine balance and aromatic range are to be tasted to be believed.
A marvellously 'glossy' wine – much smoother texture than the La Mission 1955. Almost minty. So sweet and flattering with a lovely high-toned, alluring nose. Very very long with a real spine. What a treat and a great counterpoint to the Mission. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Haut-Brion is the only classified growth in Pessac-Léognan. One of the five First Growths, it is renowned for producing both exceptional reds and whites. Along with its sister estate, Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion, it is part of the Clarence Dillon stable.