Chateau Haut Brion 1997

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A deep garnet core. The nose is lifted and vigorous, even compared to the other First Growth ‘97s with hints of mint, liquorices and black olives. Very attractive bouquet. The palate is full-bodied with a wonderful sense of balance, that tell-tale earthiness in the middle but very good structure and vigour. Hints of portabello mushroom, black truffle and bell pepper on the finish, with just a touch of greenness that merely complements the wine as a whole. Good length. A very fine ’97 on par with Lafite. Drink now-2020. Tasted September 2006.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1997 Haut Briondisplays a deep, saturated ruby/purple color, as well as an excellent, evolved nose of black fruits, minerals, earth, and pain grille. It is a wine of finesse and rich fruit rather than one of power, structure, and volume. Medium-bodied, lush, and remarkably easy to drink. This wine should evolve quickly, and keep for 15+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2015.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Haut-Brion's 1997 is an unqualified success, and among the finest of the first-growths. The color is an opaque ruby/purple. The evolved nose offers up aromas of tar, tobacco, and sweet, jammy plum and black currant fruit. Medium-bodied, with exceptional harmony, low acidity, and sweet tannin, it boasts a surprisingly long, seductive, pure finish. As the wine sat in the glass, more chocolate, tobacco, and black fruits emerged. It is hard to compare this Haut-Brion with other vintages. Obviously it is not as powerful, packed, and stacked as the 1995 or 1996, yet the 1997 is a silky-textured, luscious Haut-Brion that will drink well when released, and last for two decades. A severe selection was employed for the grand vin at Haut-Brion, with only 45% of the production making it into the final blend. Only 35% of the remaining production went into the second wine, Bahans-Haut-Brion.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A dense cigar-box nose that seems still a bit closed and backward to me. The palate is quite plummy and forward with a slight rustic/undergrowth texture. The palate is quite dry and austere and lacks some vigor. Moderate length. A good wine, but not on the same level as say Lafite. Tasted October 2003.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This light to middle-weight Haut-Brion exhibits an evolved, sweet red and black currant nose with notions of scorched earth, minerals, and tobacco. Although not big, it exhibits fine ripeness, harmony, and elegance, velvety tannin, and sweet fruit presented in a charming, open-knit, evolved format. The wine may develop even more complexity, meriting a higher score. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2014.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Deep red-ruby color. Lively, pungent, pure aromas of black raspberry, tobacco and leather. Sweet, lush and rich in the mouth; impressively fat and silky for the year. Finishes long and subtle, with dusty tannins. Developing well.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Deep ruby-red color. Pungent aromas of black raspberry, hot stones, earth and smoke, plus a whiff of tobacco leaf. Sweet and dense, but sound acidity gives the wine more structure and grip than the Bahans. This is quite firm and tightly wound today, with a more classic shape than the above. Quite long on the aftertaste, with firm but harmonious tannins.