1997

Château Haut-Brion Rouge

Elegant and complex, Château Haut-Brion red presents mineral aromas and a unique complexity. Its strength lays in the finish, which is surprisingly long. This aromatic persistence is due to its very noble origins.

Tasting notes

Handsome color with rather dazzling nuances tending towards orange.
The power and complexity of the nose is surprising in this year where one finds whiffs
of cedar and cigar alongside the other particulars of the vintage.
A slight aroma of wood first envelopes the fruit then goes on to
finish with a hint of fresh grapes. An excellent approach, both soft and supple.
A good harmony for this millésime.
The expected tannin is present rendering the finish a
bit shorter and slightly bitter.
This wine can wait for several more years.

The weather

A hot, dry start to the year led to exceptionally early growth in the spring. There was unprecedented flowering on the vines at the end of April. At the beginning of May, showers delayed the end of flowering by more than a month. The September drought made for a trouble-free harvest and compensated for the uneven ripening.

 

A few figures

  • Harvest dates

    From September 2nd to 26th 

  • Blend

    Merlot: 44 %
    Cabernet Sauvignon: 43%
    Cabernet Franc: 13 %

  • New barrels

    70 %

  • Alcohol

    13 %

  • Bottling date

    From June 1st to 9th 1999