2003 Chateau Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan (Bin Scuffed Label)

97 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "The production is tiny, yet the potential of this wine is enormous, with its tight, textured structure that is still so young. It is opulent and generous while still keeping a tight rein on its emotions. A steely core is surrounded by fruit that has hints of apricots as well as citrus. This will be a very fine wine but it needs many years, so wait until 2022." (3/1/2016)

96 Points from Wine Spectator: "Complex aromas of black licorice, tobacco and cedar with red fruits. Full-bodied, with superseductive, silky tannins, loads of fruit and a finish that lasts for minutes. A beauty in all the sense of the word. Best after 2012. 10,000 cases made." (3/31/2006)

95 Points from Robert Parker: "Even better, and clearly the best wine made in the Haut-Brion stable in 2003 (the last vintage of the great Jean-Bernard Delmas as administrator), the 2003 Haut-Brion is a blend of 58% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc that hit 13% natural alcohol, which seemed high at the time, but given more recent vintages is modest. Dark ruby/plum in color, with no amber or orange at the edge, the wine exhibits an abundance of roasted herbs, hot rocks, black currants, plum, and balsamic notes. Quite rich, medium to full-bodied and more complete, with sweeter tannins than La Mission Haut-Brion, this full-bodied Haut-Brion has hit full maturity, where it should stay for at least a decade. Bravo!

These are two great successes in this vintage that have aged well and surprised me by their intensity and overall complexity." (8/27/2014)

93 Points from Wine & Spirits Magazine: "This has the deep stoniness of Haut-Brion, but it's hard to recognize through all the sweet fruit. Initially, that sweet ripeness puts it in line with Napa Valley cabernets, tasting sleek, firm and intense. The tannins become more prominent with air, making the wine feel huge and muscular, gripping all the flavor and closing it down. Rather than freshness, this offers robust mineral flavor and strength of tannin to carry it into maturity." (10/2006)

90 Points Vinous: "The 2003 Haut-Brion has a decadent bouquet with a payload of glossy black fruit. There's some warmth of alcohol here and just a touch of Brettanomyces. Yes, there is an element of the Northern Rhône. The palate has a sweet core of black fruit, plush with silky tannins and layers of blueberry and blackberry with an aniseed-tinged finish. It is a sensual wine, but at the end of the day, it does lack a bit of tension and pedigree. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner from ex-château magnum." (8/2023)