Chateau Haut-Brion Premier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 2003

An intense, opulent nose with notes of ripe fruits and meat. An exotic and decadent wine, it boasts a full body, with big velvety tannins and loads of complexity. Layers and layers of flavors. Let this sit until 2015. Find the wine

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!

Good ruby-red. Aromas of black cherry and chocolate. Sweet, supple and fresh, with musky cherry and leather notes and good framing acidity. The tannins are nicely supported by the wine's richness on the lingering finish.