Haut Brion blanc 2000

The 2000 Haut Brion Blanc is a vintage that I had never tasted before. Now at 16 years of age, it has developed an elegant bouquet that feels bright and fresh, touches of honeysuckle and lanolin, just a hint of almond in the background. I appreciate the focus and energy conveyed here. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp Sauvignon-Blanc notes on the gooseberry and kiwi fruit entry, a touch of smoke and a pleasant sweetness towards the finish. What it is missing is the sense of tension and energy on the finish, and because of that I cannot envisage this repaying longer bottle ageing. So drink now and over the next 8-10 years. (2016)