Ch. Haut-Brion (Bin Soiled) (0.75 L)

NM: Tasted at Christies’ Boardroom dinner from an ex-Chateau bottle. The 1982 Haut-Brion has always been a sublime expression of the vintage, though never one of the most outgoing or ambitious. Here, it has a very refined bouquet with cigar box, autumn leaves, undergrowth and bay leaf. There is a depth to the aromatics that is enticing although it is a little more diffuse than previous bottles. The palate is medium- bodied with a grainy texture, well judged acidity and an endearing, effortless finish with tobacco lingering on the aftertaste.Fabulous…but is it about to ”turn the corner”? Even if that is the case, this remains an utterly adorable Haut-Brion. Tasted November 2013.