Haut-Brion Vertical tasting last year.

2001 Château Haut-Brion blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, honey, detailed, light tropical note, scented and light floral note nose. Intense. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fleshy, somewhat sweet tropical note, ripe and fruity, quite intense, long. Ads and ads with air. 95

1989 Château Laville Haut-Brion
Served blind. Towards golden. Wax, peach, minerals, almonds, honey, floral, light apricots note, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe, fruity, refreshing, detailed, balances between sweet tropical notes and salty minerals, elegant and refined, long. With answer in hand a good but not perfect bottle. 94

1918 Château Haut-Brion
Upper shoulder fill, château bottled. Bright ruby, orange rim. Figs, leather, minerals, terracotta, earthy, prunes, layered nose. Superb nose, magic. Fresh acidity, few tannins, fresh, detailed, prunes, leaner palate, mulberries and raspberries, elegant, almost Corton like feel to it today, long. 94 100 on pleasure.

1945 Château Haut-Brion
Upper shoulder fill. Ruby, thin orange rim. Intense chocolate nose, red berries, minerals, pepper, spices, floral, prunes, terracotta nose, layered. Cherries and leather. More and more intense with air, more and more layers. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cinamon, chocolate, tea, figs, cassis, detailed, refreshing, sweet and sour, power, long, very long. 98

1947 Château Haut-Brion
Top shoulder fill, deep ruby, thin brick rim. Intense, scented, plums, figs, highly scented, floral, jasmin, mint, dried dark fruits, rich nose, raspberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, rich and rounded, intense, tannic with loads of fruit to back it still, refreshing and detailed finish, very long. 99

1948 Château Haut-Brion
Upper shoulder fill, deep ruby with thin orange rim. Scented, leaner, figs, minerals, terracotta, smoky, prunes, quite intense. Stacks up well after the others. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, sweet and sour, detailed, lots of cherrirs, anise and raspberries, leather and prunes finish, slightly drying finish to be picky. 95

1959 Château Haut-Brion
Top shoulder fill, ruby, brick rim. Scented, cigars, cedar, minerals, jasmin, mulberries, figs, prunes, detailed and intense and seductive nose. Layered and complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, lively, detailed, rich, intense and fruity, ripe fruits, figs, leather, spices, exotic, long finish. 98

1961 Château Haut-Brion
In neck fill, deep ruby, thin brick rim. Tight nose, dark chocolate, black tea, intense and heavy nose, almost alcohol on the nose, Port like nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and fruity but lacks nuances, lacks details, somewhat off bottle, maybe not the best storage. After ten minutes it deteriorates quickly.

1966 Château Haut-Brion
Low neck fill, deep ruby, thin garnet rim. Dark fruits but also some glue notes, dry and short, off bottle.

1970 Château Haut-Brion
Top shoulder fill, ruby with slight orange hue. Intense, dark fruits, scented, liquorice, leather and figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, fresh but leaner, slightly dry tobacco, cherries and figs finish. 88

1975 Château Haut-Brion
Slightly cloudy dark ruby, thin orange rim. Tobacco, rose hips, tired nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, slight iodine.

1978 Château Haut-Brion
In neck fill, pale ruby, orange rim. Oxidised.

1979 Château Haut-Brion
In neck fill, ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, red berries, cassis, elegant nose, some blueberries and minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity if leaner and towards thin, the fruit is more cherries and figs, good length. 89

1981 Château Haut-Brion
In neck fill, bright ruby, brick rim. Scented, red and darker berries, figs, leather nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, some would say hollow, leather and figs, bit short. 87

1982 Château Haut-Brion
Ruby. Ripe, rich, scented, plums, leather, tobacco, intense, layered, detailed and complex, lovely nose, flirting, very mineral with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rich, fresh, detailed, ripe, plums, still structured, quite youthful, long finish. 97

1983 Château Haut-Brion
Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, leather, slight fig note, red berries, detailed and nuanced, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, fruity, nuanced and detailed, elegant and refreshing, little bit short in this company. 91

1985 Château Haut-Brion
Ruby, garnet rim. Dark fruits, opening up, quite shut first but gets scented and flirting, but the tightest '85 HB I've tasted. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, intense, detailed, refreshing, red berries, scented and elegant, lovely balance, needs time to open, long. A bottle going back and forth between marvellous and tight and astringent. 95

1986 Château Haut-Brion
Corked

1988 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Cassis, figs, leather, ever so slight bell peppers note, quite rich '88 nose, cooler fruits. Spicy and chocolate with air. More and more scented with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, firm, structured, leaner cassis fruits, leather, detailed, fresh, elegant, long. 93

1989 Château Haut-Brion
Deepish ruby, garnet rim. Highly scented and massive intensity, rich, ripe, layered, red and darker fruits, detailed, leather, plums, tobacco, superb nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet ripe red fruits, darker berries, layered, detailed, nuanced, superb and hedonistic, impossible to describe, stunning length. 100

1990 Château Haut-Brion
Ruby. Scented, red and darker berries, nuanced, floral, intense and layered, leaping out of the glass. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, lively and detailed, nuanced, elegant and long. 97

1995 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Scented, ripe, cassis, blueberries, anise, slight tobacco note, layered and detailed, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and fruity, layered, intense, plums and blueberries, but a bit lean finish, long. 94

1996 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Coffee, dark chocolate, cassis, blueberries, plums and tobacco nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, if tight and somewhat rustic, slightly edgy, bit dry finish. Falls apart with air. Faulty bottle.

1998 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Scented, ripe fruits, detailed, nuanced, fruity, plums, floral and minerals underneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, nuanced, detailed and refreshing, fleshy, long. 96

1999 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Rich, jammy and fruity, ripe and intense, vanilla, very youthful beside it's one year older bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, fruity and ripe, red-and blueberries finish. Smooth. 93


1978 Domaine de La Passion Haut-Brion
Ruby with orange rim. Cassis, rose hips, cherries, wood polish and bell peppers nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, bit dry and sweet and sour, good length. 88

Vega-Sicilia tasting in Copenhagen earlier this year. 1922-1998

When a chance to taste several vintages of Vega-Sicilia arrives in the mailbox, you just jump right on it as it may never happen again. This cold winter evening vintages between 1998 and 1922 was being poured, a rare treat indeed. I was fortunate enough to taste several of the vintages from both bottles that was opened of each wine from two generous fellow tasters who shared to see the differences between bottles of same vintage. A very consistent tasting with a clear house style visible from the youngest to oldest. One of the most consistent tastings I've been to, only a recent Haut-Brion tasting stretching from 1918-1999 has been similarly consistent. This tasting was arranged by Bruun Rasmussen auction house in Denmark.

All bottles double decanted about one hour before serving.

1998 Alion
(Magnum) Deep ruby, floral, scented, dark berries, violets, spices and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rich but nuanced and rounded, fresh and lively, long. 90

1995 Vega-Sicilia Valbuena
Ruby, garnet rim. Tobacco, leather, cigars. Blueberries and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rouned, heavier, lacks some nuances, slightly plump. 90

Vega-Sicilia Reserva Especial
90, 91 and 94 vintages in the blend. Ruby. Red berries, vanilla, spices, exotic, floral, rich and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, liquorice, blueberries and darker fruits, nuanced, rich and long. 94

1998 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby. Youthful, blueberries, spices, anise and heavier liquorice nose, rich and detailed, getting into its stride. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and rounded, rich and still detailed, has sharpened up since last bottle, firmer, long. 94

1994 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby. Scented, blueberries, vanilla, spices, detailed, rich but subdued nose, blackberries, blueberries and floral notes, gorgeous nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, velvety, detailed, rounded and fresh, detailed and rich, layers and waves of flavours, has added since last bottle, stunning if youthful. 96

1983 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Blueberries, cedar, tobacco, anise, detailed nose, violets, leather, rich, nuanced and slightly sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, more prunes on the palate, figs, evolving, leaner palate, fresh and lively, lovely, ads more in the finish. 94

1983 Vega-Sicilia Unico
A second bottle shows a bit more fruit on the nose with a rounder and fuller body and palate. 94

1982 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, very thin brick rim. Rich nose, anise, leather, prunes, figs, some vanilla notes, detailed, spicy, lots of plums. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, sweet prunes and plums, figs, leather, anise, more biting and firmer finish, long. 93

1982 Vega-Sicilia Unico
A second bottle shows some more red berries and blueberries, bit less textured finish. 93

1979 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, brick rim. Liquorice, anise, figs, coffee, bit tight, slightly pruney nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, leaner palate, mature and some drier notes, mature and drink now. Good length. 89

1979 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Slightly fruitier and not quite as mature. 90

1975 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Anise, liquorice, figs, blueberries, sexy nose, layered, nuanced and detailed, rich, maturing nicely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and ripe, fruity, rounded, refreshing, not quite as detailed, softer and easier palate, bit sweet, very long. 96

1975 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Very similar to the above bottle.

1974 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Tobacco, spices, mint, exotic nose, some figs, dark berries and leather, deep nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, fruity but narrower mid-palate and finish, long but not as exuberant as the 75. 95

1974 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Very similar bottle.

1973 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, thin brick rim. Less intense nose, some spices, prunes, figs and cheese notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, lively, rounded, delicate but not that intense, nuanced. Tobacco-figs finish. 92

1973 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Very similar bottle.

1972 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, thin brick rim. Scented, prunes, liquorice, leather, dates, exotic nose, lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fresh and pruney palate, anise, sweet, very slight hung meat note, long. 92

1970 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Deepish ruby, thin brick rim. Rich nose, chocolate, blueberries, figs, leather, scented and layered, complex and refined nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, nuanced, fruity, detailed, gorgeous nose, reminds me of 1970 Château Latour but with kinder texture, nuanced, rich and very long. 96

1970 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Somewhat less detailed bottle. 95

1968 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Liquorice, prunes, figs, evolved nose, leather, dark chocolate, bit leaner nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, softer tannins, fresh and elegant, red berries palate, nuanced and elegant, long finish. 92

1968 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Bit rounder and slightly more figs and somewhat fruitier finish. 93

1965 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Blueberries, figs, leather, anise, black tea, jasmine and violets nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively and leaner and slightly dry towards the finish, prunes palate, bit iodine behind, drink now bottle. 91

1960 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, brick rim. Cinnamon, spices, some prunes, spicy cake, Christmas spices nose. Fresh acidity, tannins letting go, fresh if not very fruity, but not to thin either, lingers on, refreshing and nuanced. 89

1953 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Bright ruby, brick rim. Figs, leather, prunes, liquorice in abundance, violets nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, fruity if leaner, dark berries and figs, long. 93

1953 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Bright ruby, brick rim. Blueberries, figs, leather, liquorice, exotic, floral and detailed nose, more youthful than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounder palate, fruity, figs and plums, blueberries, long. 95

1948 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, brick rim. Scented, earthy, sous bois, figs, prunes, mature but sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean, coffee, violets, fresh if leaner palate, refreshing, almost Burgundian finish. 90

1948 Vega-Sicilia Unico
A second bottle shows more blueberries and fruitier palate. 91

1922 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby core with brown-orange rim. Caramel, figs and spices, volatile, lean and metallic.

1922 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, orange rim. Plums, spices, violets and some dark berries clinging to their life. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, detailed if lean but lively, delicate, long and lean finish. 93

1900 Setubal, 1948 Port, 1905, 27 and 66 Madeira

1948 Stump Martinez Vintage Port:

(Norwegian Monopoly bottling) Pale garnet, lots of sediments. Nuts, cherries and redcurrants. Scented. Fresh acidity, elegant and almost creamy texture, even if the alcohol is behind. Superb texture, long and elegant finish. 95

1900 JM Fonsecha Setubal:

Brown with golden rim. Caramel, butter, orange marmalade, nuts and mint. Sweet palate with fresh and managing acidity, long, but burnt caramel finish. 90

1966 D'Oliveiras Verdelho Reserva:

Deep amber, golden rim. Nuts, dried apricots, and some Christmas spices. Fresh acidity, refreshing with a somewhat lean palate for Verdelho. Long and fresh finish. lovely but young. Every time I taste this I wonder why they don't hold on to it. Maybe the fruit isn't powerful enough, but it always feels too young.  91

1927 D'Oliveiras Bastardo Reserva:

Amber with golden hue. Floral, scented and some raspberries behind dried fruits and nuts. Fresh acidity, high even, mouthwatering, exotic, butter and touch of caramel. Long. Tasted this a few times and this bottle felt less obviously fruity than some of the others, maybe even better for it. 94

1905 D'Oliveiras Verdelho Reserva:

Amber with gold/orange rim. Nuts, citrus, dried fruits, floral, rich and intense. Fresh acidity, slightly hollow, but refreshing, very long finish. Another I've tasted a few times, quite 'typical' bottle. 93+

From the Arcus cellar tasting

1948 Leone de Castris Salice Salentino

1948 Leone de Castris Negrino Salice Salentino vino Rubino;
Black with orange rim. Intense Maderized nose, dark fruits and very mature. Nuts and dried fruits. Leaner palate but nuanced, some acidity drags some fruit with it, keeps on playing like kids on the street on a warm summers day (at least back then when kids actually played in the streets, not shooting each other on the computer). 84

1948 Barbeito

1948 Barbeito Malvazia;
Amber with golden rim, almost Indian yellow. Fresh, so seductive, burnt almonds, roasted nuts, pistacios, dried fruits, warm lemons, some caramel and notes of old mature Port. Fresh acidity, sweet, but acidity does the job perfectly, very elegant and long finish. 93

Strange 1948

1948 Scholl & Hillebrand, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Berncasteler;
(demi) Low sholder fill, cork in poor condition, dark golden, towards brown. Oxidized and nuts, thin and way too old. I wonder what it was, and which grape variety......

1948 La Tache

This one was the first wine out, the evening that really nailed my first great Burgundy experience, the two other wines of the evening is below.

1948 Domaine de la Romanée Conti, La Tache;
Very low fill, shoulders, cork in terrible condition. Amber with lots of sediments. Some volatility and has the aromas of a fantastic Madeira, nuts, floral tones, citrus, and of course oxidation. Tannins gone, not too much acidity anylonger either, tar and figs. Tiny hint of redcurrants. Lasted like this in the glass for 1,5 hours, then developed positively, more strawberries and redcurrants, the Madeiranotes was pushed back, impressive for a wine that has had much better days. Impossible to rate. Huge learning curve.