1982 La Tour Haut Brion
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Today, the fruit from this vineyard has been incorporated into the second wine of La Mission-Haut-Brion, so I hope readers do not forget how great many vintages of La Tour-Haut-Brion were. The superb 1982 ranks alongside their great 1949, 1955, 1959, 1961, and 1975. No wine since this 1982 ever achieved this level of quality. Its inky/purple hue is followed by classic aromas of scorched earth, plums, cassis, charcoal, and truffles, powerful, full-bodied flavors, superb concentration, and a boatload of tannin. The wine is so complex aromatically, and the attack is so impressive that I can’t resist drinking it. However, it should be even better in 5-8 years, and should last for another three decades. Release price: ($150.00/case) Wine Advocate.June, 2009
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Tasted at Chez Bruce in London. The 1982 La Tour Haut-Brion, which I have tasted numerous times, has long been one of the lesser-known gems of the vintage. This bottle was, incidentally, served blind against the 1982 La Mission Haut Brion. The first thing that I noticed was the sheer harmony expressed by the aromatics. There remain those enticing scents of black olive and a brine-like—perhaps seaweed (kelp)—aroma that infuse that black fruit. With time, perhaps this particular bottle showed more floral aromas and a touch of bay leaf. The palate is fresh on the entry—though still more introspective than La Mission—and embroidered with fine tannin and a firm, gravelly, tobacco-infused finish that gently grips the mouth. You can still feel this long after the wine has departed. It is simply a great Graves that, at 34-years of age, shows no signs of slowing down. Tasted June 2016. Jun 2017, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
This now defunct château was part of the Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion portfolio until 2006, with the 2005 vintage the last under this label. The fruit is now used for the property’s second wine, La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion.