2013 Haut-Brion (Pessac-Leognan)

The 2013 Haut-Brion offers light loam and forest floor scents, missing its usual fruit intensity as you would expect, though it presents pressed flower and dry tobacco with further aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. Cohesive with a little more body than La Mission, this has a finely-tuned, pure finish with clove and white pepper hints. This is persistent on the finish in the context of the season. Classy. Tasted at Bordeaux Index`s 10-Year On tasting. 92 points

Looking back at my En Primeur notes, I wrote `just love Haut-Brion in difficult vintages, always such a lesson in expert winemaking`, and I stand by that comment at the 10 years mark. This is gorgeous, with a density of fruit that elevates it above most. Clear woodsmoke and charcoal twist, with grip and even a hint of length. Characterful and although again we are in drinking window territory, and this is a great opportunity to open and enjoy a 1st growth within living memory of buying it En Primeur if you did so. 45% of production in this wine. 94 points