Haut Brion 1978 (1.5L)

92-94 WA / 90 WS / 18 JR

First tasted in June 2002. Few signs of aging. A delicate, ripe, figgy, tarry nose. Quite feminine for Haut-Brion. Palate is well balanced, drinking well now. Not as embellished as 1982 but not lean by any means. Good acidity. Notes of dates, tar and tobacco. Moderate length. Very fine. Tasted again from an imperial at the CEC tasting: quite closed on the nose. Lacks the vigor found a couple of year ago - quite herbal. The palate is fully mature, supple and soft - dates, mulberry and tobacco, especially on the finish. Touch of lemongrass. Very fine although I think a couple more this would have ameliorated the wine considerably. Tasted March 2004.-Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate

At a lovely, mature level, yet still sweet and inviting, with a veil of chewy tannins around the pretty raspberry flavors and a touch of herb to enliven the finish.--Haut-Brion vertical. - Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

Fine boned and sleek. Rich and fresh. Long and energetic. - Jancis Robinson