19 Rene Gabriel
46 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 % Merlot, 19 % Cabernet Franc. Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Florales Bouquet, dunkelviolette Rosen, schwarze Beeren, wie beim Mission etwas Teer und Herbst-Trüffel zeigend. Während die Nase wenig hergibt, ist im Gaumen schon sehr viel Aromatik da, alles im schwarzbeerigen Bereich, Finessen und Dichte, mittlerer Power, klingt lange nach. Charaktervoller Haut-Brion der aber schon auch recht viel Weibliches an sich zeigt. Und so muss es eigentlich auch sein. Gehört für mich an die Spitze der Premiers heuer.warten (2024 - 2055)
95 Robert Parker
The unbelievably superb 2011 Haut-Brion (a tiny production of 7,600 cases from a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 19% Cabernet Franc) exhibits a classic nose of subtle smoldering embers, warm rocks, black currants, new saddle leather, spice box and high quality, unsmoked cigar tobacco. The color is a dense ruby/purple to the edge, and the wine cuts a serious as well as broad swath across the palate. The most amazing aspect of this terroir is that the wine, despite all its power and richness, literally dances on the palate, as if it were a 90 pound ballerina. This brilliant 2011 should evolve quickly, hitting its prime in 7-8 years, and drink beautifully for 20-25 years.
95 Wine Spectator
This packs some serious density for the vintage, with layers of braised fig, blackberry pâte de fruit and dark currant paste, all inlaid with lively briar, tobacco leaf and roasted apple wood notes. Shows lots of energy through the finish, with the grip generating a mouthwatering feel. One of the stars of the vintage. Best from 2018 through 2035. –JM
94 Vinous
The 2011 Haut-Brion has a really lovely, warm, autumnal nose with red fruit, chestnut, autumn leaves and Earl Grey scents. Very complex. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, a crisp line of acidity, maybe just a little austere on the finish, but there is fine focus with a delicately spiced, slightly medicinal finish. This is an impressive and quite delicious Haut-Brion that should give 20 years more drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.