Chateau Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan 1992 is a top-tier red wine from Chateau Haut-Brion, one of the five first-growth Bordeaux estates in France. Although 1992 was not a particularly great vintage for Bordeaux, the estate, through rigorous selection (rejecting up to 40% of the harvest), still produced a remarkably refined and elegant wine.
Wine characteristics and reviews
- Winemaking ratio: Made from approximately 60% of the grapes harvested at the time (40% of inferior grapes were strictly discarded), a blend of 58% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc.
- Alcohol content: 12.5%
Tasting Notes
Renowned wine critic Robert Parker awarded it 90 points, describing it as a miniature version of the 1985 vintage, displaying a deep ruby color with aromas of black fruit, tobacco, cedar, and minerals, and an elegant and smooth palate.
- Aroma: Classic Haut-Brion characteristics, exuding smokiness, cigar box notes, leather, minerality, and fruity aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and blueberry.
- Palmistry: Medium-bodied, smooth and well-structured, with finely grainy tannins.
- Finish: The finish is slightly shorter and weaker than in older vintages, but the overall aroma and mid-palate remain captivating.
This wine has been aged for over 30 years and is well past its prime. While the layers of aroma remain well-preserved, its structure and depth may be gradually diminishing due to the inherent limitations of the vintage. It is recommended to enjoy it immediately after opening and is not suitable for long-term storage.
