Chateau Haut Brion 1er Cru 2001

Lobenberg: Im Gegensatz zu La Mission etwas mehr durch rote Früchte dominiert, enorm viel Schmelz, ausgewogen, balanciert, sehr komplex und vielschichtig, auch hier wieder weiche Tanninmassen, keinerlei Rauhigkeit und Härte, sehr lang, sehr komplex. Nicht die Wucht und Kraft der Vorgängerjahrgänge, dafür vielleicht noch balancierter.

Parker: Haut-Brion’s 2001, which was bottled late (the end of September, 2003), possesses an unmistakable nobility as well as a burgeoning complexity. Plum/purple to the rim, this blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc is playing it close to the vest, having closed down considerably after bottling. Nevertheless, it reveals pure notes of sweet and sour cherries, black currants, licorice, smoke, and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with excellent purity, firm tannin, and an angular, structured finish, it requires 5-7 years of cellaring. 94/100 (2004)

Jeff Leve: I really like the cigar store nuances, with hints of smoke, tobacco leaf, ash and red fruit. Medium-bodied, fresh and charming, this lighter, brighter, red berry focused vintage is probably at close to its peak. 93/100 (2021)