Château Haut-Brion 2001 is a class act in an irregular year, and relatively good value-for-money in first growth Bordeaux terms.

Haut-Brion's intensely aromatic and concentrated wines are often viewed as some of the very best in the entire Bordeaux region. Haut-Brion is also the least well-known of the first growths, and it rarely achieves a higher price than its contemporaries, which is good news for astute buyers.

"...blackberry leaf, touch of tobacco, nori seaweed and decayed leaves. It actually shuts down in the glass rather than opening up for around 20 minutes, before opening up again with baked red cherries. The signature scent of black olives is starting to develop. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity with firm tannins, just a touch of astringency. An unassuming Haut-Brion brimming with vivacity and charm, more feminine than usual, but utterly delectable." eRobertParker.com