Château Haut-Brion 2005

The 2005 Haut-Brion is an extraordinarily broad, rich, full-bodied effort boasting huge aromas of scorched earth, plum sauce, sweet cherries, black currants, and a hint of toasty oak. The wine possesses huge tannins, which is somewhat deceptive given its viscosity and opulence. Despite its intensity, Haut-Brion is always a model of elegance and symmetry.

January 2009

Berry Bros & Rudd score: 19/20

June 2009

98 Points - Robert Parker
"Another profound effort from Haut-Brion, the 2005 (a 9,000-case blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc) has bulked up to the point that it is fair to compare it to the great successes of 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, and 2000. A dark ruby/purple color is followed by a nuanced, noble bouquet of blue and red fruits interwoven with wet stones, unsmoked cigar tobacco, scorched earth, and spring flowers. The wine is full-bodied, pure, and complex as well as exceptionally elegant with laser-like precision. The tannins are still read more...serious and substantial, and in that sense, this is a completely different style of Haut-Brion than the opulent, silky-textured 1989 and 1990. As I have written before, it comes across as an improved, more concentrated and structured version of the 1995 or 1998. Patience will be required for this stunner." Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040+    (hide)

November 2009

Parker review: Another profound effort from Haut-Brion, the 2005 (a blend of 56% CabernetSauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc) has bulked up to the pointthat it is fair to compare it to the great successes of 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996,1998, and 2000... noble bouquet of blue and red fruits interwoven with wetstones, unsmoked cigar tobacco, scorched earth, and spring flowers. The wine isfull-bodied and complex as well as exceptionally elegant with laser-likeprecision. The tannins are still serious and substantial, and in that sense,this is a completely different style of Haut-Brion read more...than the opulent,silky-textured 1989 and 1990; it comes across as an improved, more concentratedand    (hide)

June 2009

This is incredible on the nose, showing coffee cake, blackberry, floral, coffee bean and vanilla bean, with Chinese spices. A very complex, full-bodied red, with seamless, hyperpolished tannins that caress every millimeter of the palate. Lasts for minutes. So beautifully balanced, I'm left speechless. Is it even better than the 1989 Best after 2017. 9,080 cases made.

October 2009

WA 98 (4/2008): Another profound effort from Haut-Brion, the 2005 (a 9,000-case blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc) has bulked up to the point that it is fair to compare it to the great successes of 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, and 2000. A dark ruby/purple color is followed by a nuanced, noble bouquet of blue and red fruits interwoven with wet stones, unsmoked cigar tobacco, scorched earth, and spring flowers. The wine is full-bodied, pure, and complex as well as exceptionally elegant with laser-like precision. The tannins are still serious and substantial, read more...and in that sense, this is a completely different style of Haut-Brion than the opulent, silky-textured 1989 and 1990. As I have written before, it comes across as an improved, more concentrated and structured version of the 1995 or 1998. Patience will be required for this stunner. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040+    (hide)

October 2008

Jancis score: 17.5/20

June 2009

Wine Spectator score: 95-100/100

June 2009

No written review

March 2008

Rating: Barrel Tasting - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 06/30/06

Rating: 98/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine on 10/08

Rating: (96-100) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 164 on Apr-06

Rating: (96-100) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 170 on Apr-07