Chateau Haut Brion 1983

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (88)

A somewhat controversial Haut-Brion, this wine reached full maturity at a shockingly fast pace and seems now to be giving signs of cracking up. A very earthy, melted asphalt, creosote-like nose intermixed with compost, decaying autumnal vegetation, and herb-tinged fruit is actually more appealing than it might sound. In the mouth the wine is fleshy, medium-bodied, relatively lush, but the garnet color is showing considerable amber, and the finish starts to dry out after the wine sits in the glass for just a mere five minutes. And of course, I have tasted this wine from pristinely stored bottles, so I suspect those that have been less than perfectly stored are probably already in serious decline.

Winespectator (88)

Lean, austere and a bit chewy, this is an angular wine with spicy black cherry notes hiding beneath layers of mineral and tannin. Finishes with a touch of gaminess

Rene Gabriel (17)

Rene Gabriel rates this wine 17/20 points.