Chateau Haut Brion   Haut Brion

1989 Haut Brion

By Chateau Haut Brion

1989 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux

Embarking upon the storied landscapes of Pessac-Léognan, one is enraptured by the pedigreed nature of its vinous offspring, with the 1989 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion standing as a seminal example of the region's aptitude. Nestled in the noble terroirs of Bordeaux, this year's yield took connoisseurs and investors alike by storm, leaving an indelible legacy in its rich, earthy wake.

 

A Testament to Terroir and Time

The 1989 vintage is particularly celebrated for its exceptional weather conditions: a benign winter was followed by opportune rains in April and a sweltering summer into September, facilitating a judicious balance that catapulted the grapes into early brilliance. It is this harmony of elements that endowed the 1989 Haut Brion with a robustness that, even over three decades later, remains unparalleled – a beacon for Bordeaux enthusiasts and investors that transcends the ephemeral trends of wine commerce.

 

An Exquisite Investment Vintage

Upon decanting, the 1989 Haut Brion unveils a majestic bouquet, wherein scents of black truffle intermingle with smoked earth and cured tobacco – a testament to its extraordinary aging potential. The palate is enveloped by layers of hedonistic black fruit; cassis and ripe fig meld seamlessly with an underlying minerality. Complemented by a structure that bears an air of aristocratic finesse and length that commands your full attention, this pinnacle expression conveys complexity which has left it burnished with time yet unyielding in its vibrancy.

As one discerns through the lens of an investor or collector, it is clear: The 1989 vintage affords not only sensorial delight but also connotes wise economic foresight. In the tapestry of fine wines, it is such vintages that ascertain both palatial pleasure and auspicious accumulation of value. Undoubtedly, an investment into the pages of vinicultural nobility.

In closing, to immerse oneself in a glass of 1989 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion is to participate in a historical narrative punctuated by climatic serendipity and passionate winemaking. It embodies both corporeal indulgence and prudent investiture—a true paragon amongst collectable vintages.

Current market price

$39,690.00

12x75cl

Highest score

100

POP score

1189

Scores and tasting notes

100

This continues to be a perfect wine with a beautiful, dense character of tobacco and sweet fruits. Chocolate, toasted walnuts and flowers here too. It's full-bodied with velvety tannins. Lasts for minutes on the palate.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, August 14th 2013

100

I mean what do you want me to say? We have been here before. Two bottles opened on this occasion, one showing just a little mustiness on the nose but the other representative. There is nothing new to add, suffice to say that it was one of the vinous peaks of the 20th century and everyone should try and taste it just once in their life. Tasted November 2011.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2012

100

This continues to be one of the immortal wines and one of the greatest young Bordeaux wines of the last half-century. Consistently prodigious and almost a sure bet to top the scoring card of any blind tasting of this vintage as well as other years, the 1989 Haut-Brion is a seamless, majestic classic, and a tribute to this phenomenal terroir and its singular characteristics. The wine still has a very thick, viscous-looking ruby/purple color, a spectacular, young but awesome smorgasbord of aromas ranging from scorched earth, liquid minerals, graphite, blackberry and black currant jam to toast, licorice, and spice box. The levels of fruit, extract, and glycerin in this viscous, full-bodied, low-acid wine are awe-inspiring. The brilliant symmetry of the wine, extraordinary purity, and seamlessness are the hallmarks of a modern-day legend. It is still in its pre-adolescent stage of development, and I would not expect it to hit its full plateau of maturity for another 3-5 years, but this should be an Haut-Brion that rivals the greatest ever made at this estate. Life is too short not to drink this wine as many times as possible! A modern day clone of the 1959? Anticipated maturity: 2005-2030. Last tasted, 1/03.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 2002

Vintage performance