1982 Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

“Although the colour of the wine is now bricking at the rim, the core still has a deep, tawny/garnet hue. The aromas here are significantly mature, including smoke, truffle, cedar and earth. Yet a lovely ripe plummy fruit lingers attractively on the balanced, elegant finish. Although this is drinking well now, fans of mature wine will likely be thrilled with its continued evolution. Top quality from a top vintage and definitely not in decline. (CC)” (07/2023)

“This is a phenomenal 1982 and it remains the most drinkable of the first growths. A strong iodine character here enveloped by delicious currants, shaved chocolate and spices. Full body with super-integrated tannins and a refined texture. Wonderful balance.” (06/2016)

“It is time that the 1982 Haut-Brion got the respect it deserves. Forever deemed the "least" of the First Growth, that holds no water if this example is anything to go by, the best of a couple of dozen bottles encountered over many years. Amazingly-fresh on the nose, this shimmers with red fruit, black olive, meat juices and incense, gaining vigour with each swirl of the glass. The palate is perfectly balanced with a lovely line of acidity, focused and refined with just a slightly roasted character towards the finish. Harmonious and effortless, it is the kind of claret that leaves you grinning like a Cheshire cat. (NM)” (09/2022)

“A rich, dense cushioning of fruit, set against a cedar and toasted spice backdrop, makes the nose full of integrity and promise. Rich blackberry with soft menthol on the finish, this is again absurdly young and tight for a wine that is in its fourth decade and another few decades ahead seems almost a certainty. Clear florality also, with a redcurrant and grilled herbs fragrance that catches prettily at the back of the throat. Totally beautiful, even with the sweet iodine tang that just begins to betray its age. Supremely drinkable.” (10/2023)

“In its early years the ’82 Haut-Brion was really the odd man out amongst the First Growths, as the wine seemed a tad silky and easy-going in comparison to the larger than life profiles of the ‘82s from the likes of Mouton, Lafite and Margaux. However, as can so often be the case with Haut-Brion, the wine has put on weight with bottle age, and at age twenty-five this really does look to be a clone of the legendary 1959. The bouquet is deep and roasted, as it soars from the glass in a blaze of dark plums, roasted cassis, grilled walnuts, cigar smoke, herb tones and a serious base of Graves soil. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and very powerful, with a palate profile that is a dead-ringer for a younger version of the 1959, with layers of fruit, strong soil signature, moderate tannins, and great length and grip on the palate-staining finish. As is the case with the beautiful 1990 and 1985 HBs, I would strongly advise keeping the paws off of the 1982 Haut-Brion for several more years, for as good of a drink as it is today, it will continue to improve with further bottle age. Beautiful wine. 97+” (01/2020)

“Supple and enveloping, the 1982 Haut-Brion is drinking brilliantly today, wafting from the glass with aromas of red berries and plums, tobacco leaf, cedar box, scorched earth, cigar smoke and walnuts. Medium to full-bodied, broad and sensual, it's fleshy and giving, with a rich core of fruit, melting tannins and a long, resonant finish. At age 40, this is the most charming of the 1982 first growths, yet despite its outgoing personality, it seems to gain in stature with every passing year. (WK)” (12/2022)

“Dark ruby red. Tobacco, roasted coffee and light raisin. Full-bodied, with soft and silky tannins and a long finish. I have always loved this wine. (JS)” (06/2001)

“In the prime of life. Mid ruby. Sweet, round, fairly soft (all tannin spent) with the signature warm bricks and tobacco aromas. Smudgy with a hint of sweet cassis. Really very gorgeous. 18.5/20 points (JR)” (10/2018)