Château Haut Brion - Pessac-Léognan 2001

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/2004

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+.

Wine Spectator

95 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2004

Intense aromas of violets, berries and spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, with layers of supersilky tannins and a long, long finish. Very classic in style. All in elegance and length. I like it better than the 2000. Best after 2009. 1,000 cases imported. –

Wine Advocate

93-95 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2003

The 2001 Haut Brion has added weight, flesh, and substance. It is not as dense or powerful as the 2000, but it is as noble and potentially as complex. A blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc, it is more evolved and slightly lighter than its fleshier, fuller-bodied sibling, the 2000. A moderately intense perfume of iron, sweet and sour cherries, earth, smoke, black currants, plums, and licorice is followed by a medium-bodied wine with excellent purity, fine density, supple tannin, and a long, persistent finish. Haut-Brion's 2001 represents only 50% of the production. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2002

Haut-Brion's 2001 represents only 50% of the production. This extremely powerful blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc reveals notes of iron, plums, black currants, cherries, earth, and smoke. The wine possesses excellent purity and medium body. It is a quintessential example of Haut-Brion's elegance and finesse. It is lighter than either the massive 2000 or stunningly convincing 1998. The 2001 is another beauty from the brilliant father and son team of Jean and Jean-Philippe Delmas. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2019.