1975 Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Bordeaux France Wine Tasting Note

44798 Views

1975
92
Much better on its tobacco driven nose, that also offered tar, leather, wet earth, cedar and cigar box charms, than on the stoic, firm, gritty palate. Lovers of older, classic wines will probably like this a lot more than I did. This is fully mature and while there is no reason to wait, I doubt at 41 years of age that it will get much better from here.

Much better on its tobacco driven nose, that also offered tar, leather, wet earth, cedar and cigar box charms, than on the stoic, firm, gritty palate. Lovers of older, classic wines will probably like this a lot more than I did. This is fully mature and while there is no reason to wait, I doubt at 41 years of age that it will get much better from here.

4,725 Views   Tasted
I was more than surprised to discover how much I liked this wine. At 40 years of age, the once hard tannins have receded, the textures have become soft, adding a previously missing elegance and charm and the smoke, tar, tobacco, cigar box and fresh, dark red fruits were finally allowed to shine. The wine is fully mature and while there is no hurry to drink it, there is no reason not to pull a cork either.

I was more than surprised to discover how much I liked this wine. At 40 years of age, the once hard tannins have receded, the textures have become soft, adding a previously missing elegance and charm and the smoke, tar, tobacco, cigar box and fresh, dark red fruits were finally allowed to shine. The wine is fully mature and while there is no hurry to drink it, there is no reason not to pull a cork either.

5,390 Views   Tasted
Rustic charm abounds in this mature vintage of Haut Brion with its tobacco, cedar, cassis and smoke filled personality. This is not going to improve, but with its massive tannin level, it’s not going away quickly either. This is for fans of older, traditionally styled Bordeaux.

Rustic charm abounds in this mature vintage of Haut Brion with its tobacco, cedar, cassis and smoke filled personality. This is not going to improve, but with its massive tannin level, it’s not going away quickly either. This is for fans of older, traditionally styled Bordeaux.

5,590 Views   Tasted
Old school in style, with smoke, tobacco, earth, cassis, blackberry, mushroom and forest floor aromas, this fully mature Bordeaux wine has some rough edges on the palate. The wine ends with hints of tartness in the smoky, rustic cassis filled finish.

Old school in style, with smoke, tobacco, earth, cassis, blackberry, mushroom and forest floor aromas, this fully mature Bordeaux wine has some rough edges on the palate. The wine ends with hints of tartness in the smoky, rustic cassis filled finish.

6,787 Views   Tasted
1975 Haut Brion is fully mature. Tobacco, cedar, smoke, dark berries, earth, minerality, leaf and tar aromatics are easy to find. The wine has an austere, rustic side to its personality. Some green flavors are blended in with the cassis and cranberry finish. This wine will last for decades, but it will not get better and will probably dry out in time. It's a solid example of an old school Bordeaux. 91 Pts

1975 Haut Brion is fully mature. Tobacco, cedar, smoke, dark berries, earth, minerality, leaf and tar aromatics are easy to find. The wine has an austere, rustic side to its personality. Some green flavors are blended in with the cassis and cranberry finish. This wine will last for decades, but it will not get better and will probably dry out in time. It's a solid example of an old school Bordeaux. 91 Pts

7,705 Views   Tasted
Decanted 3 hours, this wine did not display the hard, austere nature of most 75’s. Tobacco, smoke, spice, herbs, truffle and baked black cherry aromas drifted from the glass. In the mouth, this medium bodied wine displays an elegant side. The tannins have resolved. The wine is fully mature. While I do not know if it will improve, it’s not in any danger of falling apart over the next several years.

Decanted 3 hours, this wine did not display the hard, austere nature of most 75’s. Tobacco, smoke, spice, herbs, truffle and baked black cherry aromas drifted from the glass. In the mouth, this medium bodied wine displays an elegant side. The tannins have resolved. The wine is fully mature. While I do not know if it will improve, it’s not in any danger of falling apart over the next several years.

8,060 Views   Tasted
This is filled with rich, wonderful, smoky, tar, tobacco and truffle Graves character. This medium weight Haut Brion is in an austere style, which is expected for the vintage. Still, this is one the best 75's I've tasted.

This is filled with rich, wonderful, smoky, tar, tobacco and truffle Graves character. This medium weight Haut Brion is in an austere style, which is expected for the vintage. Still, this is one the best 75's I've tasted.

6,541 Views   Tasted

When to Drink Chateau Haut Brion, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Haut Brion needs several years, and in the best vintages up to 2 decades time before the wine displays its true character. Haut Brion needs at least 12-20 years of aging, or longer, in good vintages until it is ready to be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for 2-4 hours or more.

This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Haut Brion offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 15-50 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Haut Brion with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Haut Brion is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Haut Brion is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Haut Brion is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms, and pasta.

The white wine of Chateau Haut Brion is best served with a myriad of different seafood dishes, shellfish, crab, lobster, sushi, sashimi, chicken, pork and veal, as well as Asian cuisine.

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