2003 Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
2003 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The 2003 vintage stands as a beacon amongst the illustrious lineage of Chateau Haut Brion, an estate that needs no introduction to the connoisseur’s palate. This remarkable year, which left an indelible imprint on the vineyards of Bordeaux, has bestowed upon us a wine that conveys the story of its birthright with profound eloquence.
A Testament to Resilience and Mastery
Invariably, 2003 was an extraordinary year across Europe's viticultural realms, marked by scorching heatwaves that compelled even the most venerable vines to prove their mettle. It is within this crucible that the 2003 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion manifested not just resilience but remarkable opulence.
This wine unfurls a tapestry woven with the ripest fruits indicative of such thermal generosity—luscious blackberries meld with hints of cherries and plum, all framed by the quintessential smoky resonance that is Pessac-Leognan’s signature. Yet there is nary a suggestion of overexertion, due in no small part to the estate's venerable terroir and adept vinification techniques.
Investment-Worthy Qualities
The tannins in this particular 2003 Haut Brion exhibit a charming readiness yet promise further graceful aging for those with the patience to cellar. Investing in a wine of this calibre not only adds a jewel to one's collection but stands as a testament to the remarkable adaptability of Bordeaux’s viniculture in even the most extreme conditions.
For the fine wine investor seeking a distinguished expression that resonates with both history and endurance, the 2003 Haut Brion balances on that tightrope effortlessly, reinforcing why Chateau Haut Brion perpetually captivates those in pursuit of enological magnificence.
In summary, 2003 in Bordeaux is forever captured in this bottle as a year when nature and winemaker waltzed in sync under the blazing sun, resulting in a vintage that ardently whispers tales of heat and heartiness. A wise acquisition for any discerning investor, this expression from Chateau Haut Brion remains luminous within our memories and will undoubtedly shimmer amidst a cornucopia of collections.
Market price (GBP)
£3,940.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
246.25
Scores and tasting notes
An intense, opulent nose with notes of ripe fruits and meat. An exotic and decadent wine, it boasts a full body, with big velvety tannins and loads of complexity. Layers and layers of flavors. Let this sit until 2015.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 28th 2011
The blockbuster 2003 Haut-Brion (13% alcohol) possesses extremely high tannin, but that component is well-concealed by a cascade of mulberry, blackberry, cherry, and plum-like fruit. There is even a hint of figs under the blue and red fruit spectrum. While broad and ripe with a sweet, glyceral mouthfeel as well as a long, powerful, persistent finish, it retains its elegance and nobility. A wine of both power and finesse, it will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring, and keep for 25-30.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #164 April 2006
Even better, and clearly the best wine made in the Haut-Brion stable in 2003 (the last vintage of the great Jean-Bernard Delmas as administrator), the 2003 Haut-Brion is a blend of 58% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc that hit 13% natural alcohol, which seemed high at the time, but given more recent vintages is modest. Dark ruby/plum in color, with no amber or orange at the edge, the wine exhibits an abundance of roasted herbs, hot rocks, black currants, plum, and balsamic notes. Quite rich, medium to full-bodied and more complete, with sweeter tannins than La Mission Haut-Brion, this full-bodied Haut-Brion has hit full maturity, where it should stay for at least a decade. Bravo! These are two great successes in this vintage that have aged well and surprised me by their intensity and overall complexity.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014
Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. Served from magnum, the Haut-Brion ‘03 offers an attractive nose of briary, blackberry, sous-bois and black olive that is well defined and shows a little more gumption than the La Mission. The palate is medium-bodied with a chewy entry, plenty of fresh red berries infused with graphite and cloves. But is seems rather monotonous towards the finish and does not possess the complexity of the La Mission. Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013