Chateau Haut Brion 1978

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (86)

As this wine has developed, it has taken on a pronounced roasted, melted asphalt/tar-scented nose that in some ways is the essence of Graves, but it seems strikingly devoid of some of the other nuances so common in Haut-Brion. The wine is fully mature, with a deep garnet color, and a pronounced asphalt-scented nose. This impression is verified in the mouth, where the wine reveals a lot of smokiness, tar, and sweet black fruit flavors. This surprisingly evolved wine has been fully mature for a decade or more. I would not push my luck with this vintage of Haut-Brion, preferring to consume it over the next 5-6 years.

Winespectator (90)

At a lovely, mature level, yet still sweet and inviting, with a veil of chewy tannins around the pretty raspberry flavors and a touch of herb to enliven the finish.

Rene Gabriel (17)

Rene Gabriel rates this wine 17/20 points.