A decade ago, when bid prices were released at 'la place' for bordeaux vintage 2000, the wine world was shocked. Never had pricing for bordeaux seen such dizzying heights. Immediately afterwards, during the Vinexpo exposition of bordeaux, there was pandemonium as buyers frantically tried to negotiate the seemingly absurd prices downwards while securing sufficient allocation to satisfy their home markets. Of course, those prices seem tame compared with more recent bordeaux. Still, those of us who bought copiously from this warm vintage have wondered how the wines will fare.
Sotheby's and the Bordeaux Winebank recently pulled the corks on 18 of the region's finest 2000 classed growths. While most professional reviewing is done blind, it was a pleasure to taste these wines while knowing the identity - no energy wasted trying to guess the label. Better yet, Bordeaux Winebank guarantees with wines are 'exchateau' - straight from the chateau in the original packaging.
Below is part one of a two-part series of reviews. If the wines were graded under the usual five-star system, all would be in the highest category, so I've reverted to the 100 points system, to give the reviews a finer brushstroke.
Chateau Haut-Brion
Denser and more concentrated than anticipated. Restrained aromatics, minerally, stony, slate notes, with black currants and violets. Plush mid-palate, with a gentle, velvety texture. Could offer more length (coiling up on the finish) but otherwise verging on perfect.
96/100