1988 Laville Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
Although lacking the personality of the blockbuster 1989, the 1988 is a beautifully made, waxy, melon-scented wine with a touch of herbs and smoky oak. It has better acidity and a more delineated personality than the 1989, but not the latter vintage's flamboyant character. Nevertheless, this should turn out to be an extremely long-lived Laville, and while it may not hit the heights of hedonism that the 1989 will, it still offers plenty of flavor in a more polite and civilized fashion. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2008. Last tasted, 12/92.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Surprisingly fresh and lively, even lean. Shows lemon, lime, mineral and petrol aromas and flavors. Full and racy, with minerally apple tart and piecrust flavors that last for minutes on the palate. Powerful yet subtle. '88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 2009
While lacking the personality of the blockbuster 1989, the 1988 is a beautifully made, waxy, melon-scented wine with a touch of herbs and smoky oak. It has better acidity and a more delineated personality than the 1989, but not the latter vintage's flamboyant character. Nevertheless, this should turn out to be an extremely long-lived Laville, and while it may not hit the heights of hedonism that the 1989 will, it still offers plenty of flavor in a more polite and civilized fashion. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2010. Last tasted, 3/97.Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1
About the producer
Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion – sister estate of Ch. Haut-Brion and part of the Clarence Dillon stable – is one of the greatest estates in all of Bordeaux. Based in Pessac-Léognan but not officially classified, it produces outstanding red and white wines.