Haut Brion 2001

Chateau Haut Brion 2001 is a wine with extremely good color, dense and young for its vintage. The aromas of this young wine burst upon you, and it is aromatically perfectly balanced. Unlike some young wines, wood scents do not prevail in this one. The approach is soft and unctuous, with the aromatic balance melding in the mouth with soft, dissolving tannins. There are no rigid tannins but rather a slight hint of licorice that melts into the softness of the finish. Everything is melded together, leaving a need for aging in order to reach its apogee. Overall, this is a complex and elegant wine that will continue to develop and improve over time.

Robert Parker - 94 Points

"Haut-Brion’s 2001, which was bottled late (the end of September, 2003), possesses an unmistakable nobility as well as a burgeoning complexity. Plum/purple to the rim, this blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc is playing it close to the vest, having closed down considerably after bottling. Nevertheless, it reveals pure notes of sweet and sour cherries, black currants, licorice, smoke, and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with excellent purity, firm tannin, and an angular, structured finish, it requires 5-7 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020+."

Antonio Galloni - 95 Points

"You cannot really go wrong with the 2001 Haut-Brion, which showed similarly to the one tasted just a few weeks earlier. The bouquet positively gushes with black cherries and violets, incense and here, a little more black olive. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and sweet ripe black fruit laced with graphite, blood orange and hints of Provençal herbs on the substantial finish. It is drinking now but will give pleasure for 20-30 years more."