The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Apr 30, 2002

Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. 
Drink Date: 2007 - 2025

Haut-brion.com

Elegant and complex, Château Haut-Brion red presents mineral aromas and a unique complexity. Its strength lays in the finish, which is surprisingly long. This aromatic persistence is due to its very noble origins.

Tasting notes
Lovely color, a handsome dark red, both lively and young. The nose gives a strong impression of softness and harmony. All the aromatic elements are perfectly proportioned: the tinge of woody vanilla, the sweetness of lightly cooked caramel, the slight aggressiveness of liquorish, red and black berries, mulberry, and cherry all meld into a perfect balance discovered in the mouth rendering a finish both long and sweet that gives this wine an exceptional charm.

The weather
This vintage will be remembered for several extraordinary meteorological events. First came the eclipse of the sun on August 11th. The second phenomena consisted of two extremely violent storms that struck the Sud-Ouest. One came on August 7th and was severe but short lived and the second struck on December 27th with an unprecedented violence. It lasted from sundown until the wee hours of the morning with the hiatus being between 8PM to 10PM. ultimately, 1999 was a relatively hot year and 2% warmer than the mean temperatures recorded during the past forty years. This is a considerable difference. For the most part the year will go down as one with brutal climactic events. 

Harvest dates
From September 8th to 24th 

Blend
Merlot: 60 %
Cabernet Sauvignon: 28%
Cabernet Franc: 12 %

New barrels
69 %

Alcohol
13 %

Bottling date
From August 21st to 29th 2001