Stately, muscular, nuanced, waves of toasted cumin, black tea, pomegranate, sandalwood, cloves, smoke, tar, tobacco, intense and concentrated, clearly decades ahead. Rich and powerful, leans into the fingerprint of the vintage but makes it its own. Jean-Philippe Delmas estate director, Jean-Philippe Masclef technical director. 78% new oak for ageing. 99 points

The 2015 Haut-Brion is much less flamboyant and expressive on the nose compared to La Mission, but it is very nuanced with those signature game and roasted chestnut scents percolating through the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins, wonderful balance and poise. It`s lightly spiced with a dash of black pepper and cumin on the finish. I usually have the La Mission out in front but in this contest, I`m erring toward the First Growth. Tasted at the 2015 Ten-Year-On tasting at Bordeaux Index. 97 points