It is always interesting to taste this wine next to its stablemate, Laville Haut-Brion. While Laville has 80% Semillon in it, giving it more fat and concentration, Haut-Brion is 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Semillon. This is a crisp yet powerful wine, full-bodied, with great minerality and a subtle smokiness intermixed with hints of quince, white currant, orange skin, and lemon custard. Long, rich, and tightly knit, with good acidity and no evidence of any oak whatsoever despite the use of 100% new French oak, this wine is set for a long life as well. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035.

What a nose, with fresh pineapple, mineral, toasty oak, apricot and other fresh fruits. Full and very structured, with a tight yet thick mouthfeel. Long and flavorful. Really hiding it now, but it's all there. Best after 2011. 500 cases made. -JS

94-96 Barrel Sample The white wine from Haut-Brion is always one of the stars of the Pessac-Leognan whites, and this great white year is no exception. It’s the fruit that leads, and behind this the structure follows. The wood is an essential adjunct to the fruit, a spice and toast touch to the recipe. ——R.V.(6/1/2007)—— 95