Chateau Laville Haut-Brion 2007

VINUM 3/2010 - Astonishingly delicate and complex nose, linden blossom, mint, rosehip and citrus; a texture like a red wine, dense, tightly woven, endlessly long, the aromas fade at a snail’s pace, literally lasting minutes: a sensational wine, one of the absolute greatest white wines in the world.

Rich, powerful, perfumed aromas of lemon pie, cooked apple and melon lead to a full body, with a fabulous density that persists. Gorgeous, with lovely richness and balance. Best after 2011.

The 2007 Laville Haut-Brion Blanc is a vintage I have not tasted for some time. It has a neutral nose at first, displaying just a negligible touch of oxidation. Damp straw commingles with yellow plum, granite and apple peel aromas. The palate is, again, surprisingly neutral, quite nutty and smoky, cohering nicely over the course of our lunch. It’s not bad, but not the best that I have tasted from this now-defunct estate. Tasted at the WIMPS X-mas lunch at La Trompette.

Light in color, the wine delivers an interesting blend of vanilla, bright citrus, vermouth, lemon peel and roasted nuts on the nose. Full bodied, bright and fat, the sweet and tart, slightly honeyed citrus in the finish is fresh and refreshing. The wine was made from a blend of 83% Semillon and 17% Sauvignon Blanc.

Pale, light yellow. Gorgeous bergamot bouquet, plenty of white grapefruit, blackcurrant; despite the small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc, its aromatics are clearly perceptible. Juicy, supple palate, white nectarine, velvety body, good balance, with a slight excess of acidity lingering on the finish. A tense, vibrant Laville, reminiscent of a great Loire wine.

83% Sémillon, 17% Sauvignon Blanc. Pale, light yellow. Wonderful bergamot bouquet, lots of white grapefruit, gooseberries and cassis; despite the small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc, its aromatics are clearly noticeable. Juicy, soft palate, white nectarines, velvety body with good balance, a slight acidic edge lingers on the finish. A nervy, lively Laville that recalls a great Loire wine. (18/20). 12: On the table there was a magnum of this wine and a magnum of white Haut-Brion—also from the 2007 vintage. Host: Jean-Philippe Délmas. We were invited to a dinner at Haut-Brion. First wine, this brilliant magnum. Very fresh, nettle, mint, somehow reminiscent of a great white Spanish wine (Viura grape).

Straw-colored robe, powerful nose, a little less open and aromatic than that of Haut-Brion, huge body and substance for a white wine, lots of reserve, a great wine but not to be opened for five to six years.

Blend of 83% Sémillon and 17% Sauvignon. Pale yellow color. Fine, fruity, pure and suave nose. Juicy on the attack, subtle in texture and aromas that broaden with a rounded mid-palate, then melt away with a hint of mandarin and a very slightly oxidative note. Long and fragrant.

A ripe wine, with a delicious citrus and pear character, sweet fruits and an edge of spice. Pineapple acidity gives both richness and freshness. The wine has both balance and final acidity.