2008 Haut Brion Bordeaux Blend
Reviews of 2008 Haut Brion Bordeaux Blend
David Derby, JJ Buckley
April 2009
41% Merlot; 50% Cabernet Sauvignon; 9% Cab Franc
The wine starts out with fresh wood, and new oak.
Flavors of bakers chocolate and coco powder.
For a wine of such weight and depth, it had a surprisingly short finish.
95-97 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
April 2009
Production for the 2008 Haut-Brion represents only 35% of the grapes harvested, and while production can be over 12,000 cases in an abundant vintage, 2008 will be one of their smallest ever, with only 7,000 cases produced from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. The 2008 reminds me of a hypothetical blend of the 1996 and 1998. It is a classic, elegant, but substantial Haut-Brion with a dense ruby/purple color as well as crushed rock, spring flower, blueberry, and black currant characteristics presented in a vivid, vibrant, full-bodied style that cuts an ethereal feel across the palate. Haut-Brion is somewhat akin to Cheval Blanc in that it can be seemingly light on the palate, but very intense in flavor. That is the case with the 2008. There is plenty of tannin, but it is very ripe. This impressive, deep wine requires patience, and a ten year wait is mandatory. This formidable Haut-Brion should have a 40-50 year lifeline.
93-96 points, Wine Spectator
April 2009
A very complex wine, with black licorice, sweet tobacco, blackberry and earth. Full-bodied and long, with big, juicy tannins and lots of bright fruit, mushroom, earth and decadent fruit flavors. The most powerful wine of the vintage. Only 35 percent of the total production (normally this is 50 percent or 55 percent). Shows the selection. —J.S.
About 2008 Haut Brion Bordeaux Blend
About the Winery Haut Brion
Chateau Haut-Brion boasts a much more historic tradition as it is
believed that grapes have been grown on the property since Roman times.
However, the first true written record of Haut-Brion dates back to 1525
when Jean de Pontac married Jeanne de Bellon who brought him the dowry
of the land that composes Haut-Brion. Chateau Haut-Brion also appeared
in writing as a First Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official
Classification of 1855.
Haut-Brion has a truly illustrious
past. It is the first recorded First Growth to be imported into the
United States when Thomas Jefferson purchased six cases and took them
back to Monticello. Haut-Brion was also the first of the great growths
to use stainless steel fermentation vats. The greatness of Haut-Brion
wines was also recorded by Samuel Pepys, John Locke, and Cardinal
Richelieu. It's 1970s vintage placed fourth in the Judgement of Paris
wine competition. Haut-Brion remains quite the celebrity of the
winemaking world and its wines continue to be highly rated and coveted
across the globe.
About the Wine
"The 2000 Haut-Brion, a blend of 51% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc, possesses tremendous richness, and a highly-nuanced, complex personality with abundant quantities of black fruits, minerals, vanillin, and subtle earth. It is delicate yet thick, juicy and succulent. However, the 2000 seems to possess an obvious overlay of tannin as well as a degree of precision and freshness, largely attributed to slightly high acidity. A superlative effort. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035.
Really ripe, with a powerful berry and marmalade character on the nose. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Very fresh and fine. Almost classic.
VINEYARD COMPOSITION/VARIETAL PROFILE: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Average age of vines is 30 years. 109 acres producing 12,000-15,000 cases.
Fermented in stainless steel vats and aged in new oak barrels for 24-27 months. Clarified with six egg whites per barrel. The winemaking is managed by Jean Delmas, who believes in a controlled but rather hot, short fermentation.
A complex bouquet of ripe fruit, tobacco and mineral, earthy scents. Rich, ripe, medium too full-bodied and well structured. A wine that seems to balance power and elegance, richness and harmony perfectly."
About Futures
Please note, this is a futures offering. Payment for wine is due immediately. You will be contacted once wine has arrived at our warehouse. Purchases that are made in whole cases will be kept in their original container but will be unpacked if being shipped to you.
Looking for Big Bottles? Contact us, we can get most sizes by special order.
Why buy futures from us?
- JJ Buckley has been in business since 1999
- We only buy from very reputable negociants and wholesalers with long standing relationships with the Chateaus
- All wines will be imported in working reefer (air conditioned) containers – critical to ensuring quality
- Buy all at once or over the next several months – we will combine purchases to make full cases and deliver in unopened wood!
Read our Bordeaux Futures Blog - Videos, Tasting Notes & More!
Stock Level & Ship Times
This item ships in May 2011
Need it faster? Call us now at (888) 859-4637 for special arrangements.
Shipping Information
For a shipping quote, add this product to your shopping cart. From there you will be able to enter a zipcode and get a detailed quote. For full details on our shipping policies, click here.
Wine Lovers Who Bought This Wine Also Bought...
|
