Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: Admirably classic aromas and structure signal a departure from those splendid, rather more exotic editions of Haut-Brion and a return to the consistency and structural elegance of vintages like the 1988 (in more robust form) or the 1998. 18.5

Michael Schuster: Very fine nose, promising a great bouquet—a smoky minerality over ripe fruit, all finesse and subtlety; beautifully balanced, full, fresh, aromatically concentrated wine with a super-fine tannin; fresh, gravel-infused, sweet-cored, complex flavor, very long in the mouth, restrained yet intense, rich and complete, with a long, warm, minerally finish. A great, classic, effortless Haut-Brion in prospect. 2020–40+. 18.5/19