Chateau Haut Brion 2008

97 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

For me, Haut-Brion stands a few notches above La Mission in this vintage. It's a wine which is almost impossible to spit forwards rather than backwards! The entire palate climbs upwards, with a mineral kick and slatey walls. This is the most complex wine that I have tasted so far, showing layers of cassis, rosemary and freshly picked mint - utterly gorgeous, and another wine of the vintage contender.

96 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

Dark, dusty, hugely structured, Haut-Brion is a complex, serious wine with grandeur. The wine has considerable weight, its tannins striated through the black plum and damson skin fruits. For long-term aging.

96 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

95-97 Barrel sample. Deliciously concentrated fruit, which shows considerable power and ripeness. Yellow fruits, spice from new wood and richness are already combining well. And just as a reminder that this has Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, there is a touch of fresh herbaceousness at the end.

95 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

94-96 Barrel sample. A heavily structured wine, with dark tannins and intensity. Very concentrated, with fruit and spice flavors, a strong element of wood. It is powerful and brooding.

94 POINTS

James Suckling

What a finish here. It starts off slowly and then builds. Full bodied, but in reserve with a sweet tobacco, berry, and light dark chocolate character. Bright acidity and a chewy finish. So classy. Production was tiny in 2008. Try after 2014.

92 POINTS

Wine Spectator

This has racy acidity well-buried in the core of damson plum, cherry pit and red currant notes, all backed by fine-grained tannins and subtle sanguine and iron shadings. Tar and lilac hints chime in on the finish, where the appellation's typical tarry note shows some atypical polish. Impressive.