1978 Chateau Haut Brion Pessac Leognan

(90 Points) As this wine has developed, it has taken on a pronounced roasted, melted asphalt/tar-scented nose that in some ways is the essence of Graves, but it seems strikingly devoid of some of the other nuances so common in Haut-Brion. The wine is fully mature, with a deep garnet color, and a pronounced asphalt-scented nose. This impression is verified in the mouth, where the wine reveals a lot of smokiness, tar, and sweet black fruit flavors. This surprisingly evolved wine has been fully mature for a decade or more. I would not push my luck with this vintage of Haut-Brion, preferring to consume it over the next 5-6 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2003. Last tasted 10/97 The Wine Advocate Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1 Jan 1998