Chateau Haut Brion 1971

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Last Tasted 8/92 This was the first time I tasted the 1971 since 1982. There appears to be little difference in the wine despite its additional ten years of age. It has always been a sweet, ripe, earthy wine with an up-front precociousness, style, and charm. Still a delicious example of the vintage, the 1971 exhibits no sign of decline, and remains a fragrant wine with a velvety texture and a long, soft finish. Drink it over the next 5-10 years.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This is the best example of Haut-Brion ’71 that I have encountered. It is well defined on the nose with saddle leather, sous-bois, cigar box and a lovely, musky accent that has impressive intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, well-defined entry and whilst it is by a long way not a complex Haut-Brion, it has retained very fine cohesion. The finish is refined and composed with leather, autumn leaves and a touch of fireside hearth in a Dorset pub. Not a wine to enkindle superlatives but still very delicious. Tasted April 2011.

robert_parker87

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A very soft supple nose: earthy and a little austere with notes of pine and cedar. The palate is quite supple with mature soft supple tannins. Does not have real depth and is a little thin on the finish. Not the best 1971 First Growth I have tasted but not bad. Drink soon though. Tasted June 2003.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

For me, the 1971 is the best Haut-Brion produced between 1966 and 1975. This fully mature 1971 has a sumptuous, sweet, ripe, earthy, richly fruity flavor, medium to full body, a big, full-intensity, spicy bouquet, and a silky, supple texture. This very stylish and delicious wine should be drunk up. Not retasted since 1982, but I suspect this wine should still be in fine condition. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 4/82.

robert_parker86

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 1971 Château Haut-Brion has held its chin up high, despite never being one of the best vintages of the decade. Now at 44 years of age, it has a decent, ferrous nose, remnants of black fruit, but all a bit dusty and lacking cohesion—as if the stitches have become unsewn with time. The palate is medium-bodied with moderate depth. There is not so much weight here as you would expect given the growing season, light touches of hickory and sage littering the entry, tapering gently towards an austere finish. Drink this up soon, but don't overlook its charm. Tasted June 2015.