Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 84
I have never thought the 1962 to be a great success. It is an elegant, medium-bodied wine without a great deal of complexity or depth, but it exhibits a pleasant supple, cedary, smoky, cigar-box character. There is also some pleasant plummy fruit and a soft finish. Still vibrant and alive, those who have it cellared should have no problem keeping it for another 2-7 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 1/89.
JancisRobinson.com 17
Light ruby. At last a clean, winning nose with real fruit concentration. Purity and freshness with the acidity coming to the fore but some real sweetness and richness. Still hanging on in there even if it might have been better to drink it earlier. I find it quite precise even though others are asking for a second bottle. Long. Hints of treacle toffee.
Anticipated maturity: 1975-2010
Vinous 85
The 1962 La Mission Haut-Brion is a vintage that I have encountered twice before. As on one of those prior occasions, this time I also felt there was just a very faint touch of TCA. That aside, it does retain its tobacco/cigar humidor nose, and this example reveals a touch of garrigue. It s quite savory on the palate, and lightly spiced, with some attenuation toward the finish, which cannot disguise a bit of funk. So-so. Tasted at the La Mission Haut Brion dinner at Amuse Bouche in Hong Kong.
