Haut Brion 1970 (750ML)

92 WA / 17.5 JR

The 1970 Château Haut-Brion is a First Growth that has probably been over-shadowed by the Latour 1970 during its lifetime. However, this bottle proves that it is not to be underestimated; it highlights the glaring gap that exists between itself and another First Growth, the 1970 Château Margaux that I tasted alongside. There is plenty of vigor on the nose with dashing red berry fruit, cedar and black olive - just very Haut-Brion.The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced and fresh, nothing over-ambitious, just a Claret in the traditional sense of the word that gently builds towards a sous-bois dominated finish. This is an excellent showing, stout and a little austere, and you could argue an Haut-Brion with its peak in its wing-mirrors. Yet good bottles such as this will continue to offer pleasure for another decade. Tasted June 2015. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

This was very much alive and kicking – with lots of Haut-Brion minerals/warm bricks notes still and real intensity. Maybe it just slightly faded on the finish but this was a robust, very convincing bottle. Long lived too! Perhaps my favourite wine of this 1950 Babes lunch. (Jun 2015) - Jancis Robinson