1982 Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
1982 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The 1982 vintage from Chateau Haut Brion remains a cornerstone in the annals of fine Bordeaux wine, distinguishing itself as a quintessential expression of Pessac-Leognan's potential. As though Botticelli himself had turned his deft hand to viticulture, the elements converged to create a masterpiece. My four-decades-long career has rarely seen such harmonious interplay between climatic benevolence and winemaking nous.
A Vintage Crowned with Supremacy
The year 1982 dawned upon Bordeaux as a herald of prosperity after a series of challenging seasons, it gifted vignerons with uniformly warm and dry conditions. This meteorological grace period furnished the grapes of Chateau Haut Brion with remarkable concentration and tannic maturity, setting the stage for something extraordinary. It is no overstatement to declare that this vintage earns its prestige not only through age but by sheer merit of Its exceptional weather patterns fostering unparalleled quality.
An Opulent Olfactory Odyssey
Engaging with the 1982 Haut Brion is akin to perusing an epicure's lexicon – one finds ripe cassis and plush blackberry notes gloriously entwined with enigmatic hints of truffle and warm earth. The passage of time has done nothing if not embellish this wine's aromatic complexity, tendering it as an eloquent orator of olfactory tales.
The palate is regaled with a tapestry woven of luxurious fruit adorned by subtle whispers of smoke and the persuasive spice derived from judicious oak ageing. The texture, silken yet structured, betrays the serene balance between assertive tannins and an enduring acid line, propelling the 1982 Haut Brion into the realm of legendary vinous experiences.
Strategic wine investment acumen enjoins those truly conversant with fine wines to seek out vintages which stand head and shoulders above their esteemed peers, making the 1982 Haut Brion a paramount selection for discerning portfolios. To uncork this liquid history is to reminisce on a year when nature conspired magnanimously in favour of Chateau Haut Brion’s beautiful vineyards.
Resonating with gravitas, the 1982 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion gestures elegantly toward posterity, reinforcing its standing as one of the finest offerings from Bordeaux. Its refined decadence - etched indelibly into every sip – makes clear why this vintage sustains its reputation as an immaculate investment gem in the world of sophisticated wine connoisseurs.
Current market price
$14,370.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
478.33
Scores and tasting notes
This is a phenomenal 1982 and it remains the most drinkable of the first growths. A strong iodine character here enveloped by delicious currants, shaved chocolate and spices. Full body with super-integrated tannins and a refined texture. Wonderful balance.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, August 14th 2013
Tasted at Pebbles/Zachy's 1982 dinner in Hong Kong. Comparing the Haut Brion '82 directly against La Mission and La Tour Haut-Brion '82, it is clear that the aromatics are here the most subtle and complex with scents of red fruit, autumn leaves, black truffle and bay leaf, all with immense clarity and poise. The palate is defined by its filigree tannins, an otherworldly symmetry and sedateness that perhaps make this the most drinkable for First Growths from this haloed vintage. Hints of melted tar and tobacco become more pronounced towards the finish that might not have the chutzpah of the La Mission but is simple...class. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013
Though having tasted the Haut-Brion 1982 on numerous occasions, it is still a divine Pessac-Léognan to cherish. Here at The Glasshouse restaurant, it has that lovely warm gravel on a summer's day bouquet, brown autumn leaves, bay leaf and here= a slightly more conspicuous note of black olive than I have noticed in the past. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, again a little more diffuse than its fellow 1982 First Growths, but with just as much charm. If anything, it feels a little tighter and more backward than previous examples, perhaps suggesting that bottles of excellent provenance will last many years. It is a wonderful 1982 First Growth, not a pinnacle of the vintage, but disarmingly and utterly charming. Tasted July 2014.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016
I know Jean Delmas, whom I respect as one of the world's greatest wine producers, has always thought the 1982 Haut Brion was similar to the 1959, but I have yet to see that. It seems to me the 1989 is closer to the 1959, another perfect wine and one of the all-time great Haut Brions. While the 1982 is a beauty, it has never hit the highest notes this vintage or terroir can achieve. Complex aromatics of scorched earth, smoked herbs, and sweet red and black currants are followed by a full-bodied, silky-textured wine, but I have never felt this offering has possessed the concentration, texture, or multidimensional personality found in such vintages as 1989, 1990, and more recent years. Nevertheless, this is essentially splitting hairs as the 1982 remains a superb Haut Brion. Seemingly less evolved than the 1990, it is capable of another 20-30 years of longevity. Perhaps there is something in reserve that will reveal itself in the next decade. Drink now-2035. Release price: ($400.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #183 June 2009