Double decanted before service; enjoyed over a several hour period. The 1988 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and significant signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with dried dark fruit, tobacco, mocha, grilled meat, mushrooms, damp earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry. At this point, the tannins have integrated completely and are perceived as medium; acid is similar. Finish is medium. This leaned towards the more rustic, old school style of Bordeaux and I’m all for it. While this isn’t falling off a cliff, I would drink now.
Double decanted before service; enjoyed over a several hour period. The 1988 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and significant signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with dried dark fruit, tobacco, mocha, grilled meat, mushrooms, damp earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry. At this point, the tannins have integrated completely and are perceived as medium; acid is similar. Finish is medium. This leaned towards the more rustic, old school style of Bordeaux and I’m all for it. While this isn’t falling off a cliff, I would drink now.
Jun 23rd, 2024
Always been a standout of the '88's, such great intensity still showing through, dark berry/undergrowth, 3 bottles opened, all with such consistency, outstanding example.
Always been a standout of the '88's, such great intensity still showing through, dark berry/undergrowth, 3 bottles opened, all with such consistency, outstanding example.
Jan 27th, 2017
La Mission Haut-Brion was one one of my favorite Chateaus during our time in Bordeaux. A floral wet leaf, earthy nose lingering with smoke, tobacco and subtle barnyard funk. Dark red brown in color. Black cherry fruit, pencil lead initially on the taste. Tannins are surprisingly still there on the tongue. It finishes with hints of vanilla, cocoa and green veggie.
La Mission Haut-Brion was one one of my favorite Chateaus during our time in Bordeaux. A floral wet leaf, earthy nose lingering with smoke, tobacco and subtle barnyard funk. Dark red brown in color. Black cherry fruit, pencil lead initially on the taste. Tannins are surprisingly still there on the tongue. It finishes with hints of vanilla, cocoa and green veggie.
Oct 19th, 2019
Once again, time to jump in the wayback machine....Decant 1 hour (decent amount of chunky sediment). An awe-inspiring dark garnet color...little bricking after all these years! On the nose: some barn yard funk starting to blow off, wet earth, smoke, floral, cigar box. Taste: black cherry, pencil lead, vanilla, with a little ending tannic kick...not fading after +30 years!!!
Once again, time to jump in the wayback machine....Decant 1 hour (decent amount of chunky sediment). An awe-inspiring dark garnet color...little bricking after all these years! On the nose: some barn yard funk starting to blow off, wet earth, smoke, floral, cigar box. Taste: black cherry, pencil lead, vanilla, with a little ending tannic kick...not fading after +30 years!!!
Oct 19th, 2019
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, France
