Chateau Haut Brion 1999

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Bordeaux Index lunch. The Chateau Haut-Brion 1999 is an off-vintage that should not be overlooked. At now 14 years of age it has developed a sensual bouquet with black truffle infusing the blackberry and cedar fruit, having softened since I last tasted it back in June 2009. The palate is rounded and sweet on the entry with those svelte, satin-like tannins in place. It is much more open and generous than I was expecting with hints of liquorices towards the finish that displays moderate length. Drink now-2023. Tasted December 2013.

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1999 white wine harvest began August 30, and September 6 for the reds. Finished by September 24, it was not without problems (the huge liquid deluge of September 20 caught them picking grapes). As Jean Delmas revealed, there was 125% more rain than normal in the month of September, 1999, with more than three inches falling on September 20. I first tasted the 1999 Haut-Brion in January, and admittedly it was a very fine wine, but difficult to get excited about. However, it is remarkable what two months of aging can do, which is one of the reasons I have, for 21 years, preferred to taste during the last two weeks of March. The wine has put on considerable weight, and appears to be one of the vintage's few superstar efforts. Haut-Brion's 1999, a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, is superb, with a beginning point, a mid point, and a finish. It is dark ruby/purple-colored, with a sweet, mineral-infused, black fruit-scented nose revealing some of the roasted/scorched earth characteristics typical of wines from this region, displayed in a subtle fashion. New oak can be discerned, but it is a condiment as opposed to a dominating element. The wine possesses exceptional delineation, beautiful freshness, and copious quantities of fruit, glycerin, and sweet tannin. It tastes like a wine from a hot vintage, without any of the negative impacts of dilution, overripeness, or hollowness that have affected many other wines. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

First tasted in March 2000 at the Haut-Brion: huge opulent rich nose. Meaty/animal aromas. Smoother and more elegant than La Mission. Less power but more finesse. Tannins quite light but overall a very classy wine for drinking over 15 years. Tasted again in November 2003: very little on the nose which seems to have closed down. The palate has a very smooth entry, cohesive and well-integrated. Ripe red berries and very ripe tannins. Not a deep wine, lacks complexity of great Haut-Brions and will drink before the 1998.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This dark ruby/purple-colored, elegant effort reveals the scorched earth, black fruit, and mineral characteristics that so distinctively speak of Haut-Brion's famed terroir. The wine is beautifully balanced, with abundant quantities of sweet fruit, low acidity, and a forward, muscular stature. It should be drinkable at a relatively early age. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the 1999 horizontal at Bordeaux Index. The Haut-Brion is certainly more expressive on the nose than their neighbours over the road, very good lift with blackberry, cedar, iodine, macerated black cherries, a touch of dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced, very elegant with svelte, fine tannins. Very pure, rounded wild strawberry, raspberry, boysenberry, a touch of Asian spice and a hint of liquorices. A little more complexity than La Mission although it just lacks a little length. Drink 2012-2025. Tasted June 2009.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 1999 Haut-Brion is a very fine vintage from the estate, although it is probably overshadowed by the overachieving 1998. This bottle has the sensuality on the nose that I have observed before but is a little more opulent than I recall, yet very delineated with black truffle, cedar and cigar humidor infusing the black fruit. The palate is well balanced with soft, almost velvety tannin. There is a sweet candied core of fruit in situ, laced with orange peel and black cherries. It fans out nicely toward the finish, which is generous rather than complex. Perfect to drink now, though I can envisage this giving another 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate.

vinous88

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Moderately saturated medium red. Roasted plum and raspberry, smoky oak, hot stones and tobacco on the nose. Sweet and vinous, with plenty of personality and structure. Firmly tannic finish features good cut and length. This is excellent for the vintage.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Ruby-red. Knockout nose combines black raspberry, plum syrup, hot stones, Cuban tobacco and sexy oak tones. Large-scaled, lush and seamless; pure silk in the mouth. More layered and longer than La Mission '99. Finishes with broad, lush tannins and excellent persistence.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of plum, tar, smoke, cedar and dusty stone. Vinous and shapely in the mouth, but currently rather closed in on itself following the fining. Best today on the long finish, which features fine tannins and good grip. Very classy wine for the year.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Deep ruby-red. Deep but reticent aromas of raspberry, cherry, licorice, menthol and roasted stones. Sweet, shapely and complex in the mouth; round, lush and full, in the style of the vintage's best examples. Finishes quite long, with very fine, ripe tannins.