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100 By Robert Parker
This is the most immense and large-scaled Haut-Brion Blanc I have ever tasted. Jean Delmas, administrator of the Dillon properties, justifiably felt the 1989 fully replicated the fleshy, chewy texture of a great Grand Cru white Burgundy. Only 600 cases were made of this deep yellow/gold-colored, rich, alcoholic, sumptuous wine. It is amazingly full and long in the mouth, with a very distinctive mineral, honeyed character. The low acidity would seemingly suggest a shorter life than normal, but I am convinced this wine will last 25 or more years. It is a real show-stopper! Sweet, honeyed peach, caramel, and buttery aromas tumble from the glass of this prodigious effort. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025. Last tasted, 1/03.
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Château Haut Brion
One of the four original properties classified as a First Growth in the famous 1855 Classification, Château Haut-Brion is even more unique for the fact that they were the only property outside of Médoc to be included. The château has had a long history in viticulture, dating further back than its Médoc Grand Cru Classé counterparts, making this estate a true Graves idol. Situated just southwest of Bordeaux’s city center, the 51-hectare property belongs to the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Dominated by red plantings, a mere three hectares of vineyards are dedicated to the growth of their lightly oaked white varieties, Sémillion and Sauvignon Blanc. Today the property is under the same ownership as Château La Mission Haut-Brion and La Tour Haut-Brion. The Dillon family is represented by Prince Robert Dillon of Luxembourg who now runs the estate. When compared to the larger First Growths, Château Haut-Brion has a rather small production of magnificent reds and whites. The estate’s second wine, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion can almost rival the exquisite Grand Vin, Haut-Brion that contains a high percentage of Merlot. The château also produces a barrel-fermented Haut-Brion Blanc, along with a second white, made from both Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, labeled as La Clarté de Haut-Brion.