2003 Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Case of 12 btls

WS96 "Complex aromas of black licorice, tobacco and cedar with red fruits. Full-bodied, with superseductive, silky tannins, loads of fruit and a finish that lasts for minutes. A beauty in all the sense of the word." JS for WS March 2006

DR95 "Showing pleasantly savoury, tertiary aromas now: grilled meat, dried porcini mushrooms and crunchy leaves. It's hugely powerful but somehow feels incredibly balanced, despite 2003 being the year of the infamous heatwave which swept across France. The tannins are ripe and leave a delicious, delectable silty sensation." Natalie Earl for DR June 2024

RP95 "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." RP for TWA Aug 2014