Still young, yet it is impossible not to be awed by the wine. Intense, concentrated, complex, and filled with smoked, red fruits, charred wood, tar, spice, forest leaves, spice, and a farmers market of red berries, this is long, rich, mouth-coating and attention-seeking. At 24 years of age, this is only starting to display its greatness. Drink from 2024-2075.

99+ Tasted from an ex-château bottle in Bordeaux, I was not surprised to find the 2000 Château Haut-Brion flirting with perfection. The nose is simply breathtaking - quintessential Haut-Brion with ebullient red berry fruit, roasted herbs, gravel, terracotta tiles on a warm summer's day...it is simply wave after wave of intoxicating scents that could bring even the most stoic person to tears of joy. The palate displays heavenly balance, pitch-perfect acidity, perhaps spicier than previous bottles that I have tasted, and what depth and dimension in this outstanding wine. That hint of graphite on the finish is a cheeky nod to Pauillac, as if to thumb its nose at the First Growths, because alongside Château Latour, almost by stealth, the Haut-Brion is one of the greatest Bordeaux in this millennial year. Tasted November 2014. - Neal Martin

From a year in Bordeaux that started out with poor weather yet finished under ideal conditions, the 2000 Haut Brion is a gorgeous, incredibly classic wine from this estate that everything you could want. Blackcurrants, plums, scorched earth, tobacco and lots of mineral and earthy characteristic emerge from this gorgeous, still youthful, elegant, yet powerful 2000. The blend is 51% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc, and while certainly beautiful today, it has another two to three decades of longevity.

The 2000 Haut-Brion has the upper hand over La Mission at the moment, and I don't see that changing. It's always been one of my favourite wines of the vintage. Blackberry and black olive, copious incense and terracotta notes almost hypnotize the senses. The palate is supremely well-balanced with finely sculpted tannins that frame the black fruit laced with white pepper and graphite. It's just entering its drinking window but has the substance to last many years. Tasted at the château. -- Neal Martin

Superb and already immensely delicious, yet decidedly youthful and only beginning its evolution. The colour is dark, and the ripe plummy fruit resounds with notes of game, leather and spice. The rich texture is dense and ripe, with supple tannins and immense concentration and body. There is enough acidity to balance the wine and lead to a lingering, sensual finish. This epic wine for the ages should continue on the way up for another half-century. The blend is 51% Merlot, aged in 75% new barrels before bottling in June 2002.

For an Haut-Brion this is huge. Every characteristic suggests power from the dark color through the knock-out perfumes full of dark brooding fruits. The flavors are black intense and ripe. It is a delicious wine surprisingly ready to drink. And yes just at the end there is a small hint of the delicacy and elegance that is true Haut-Brion. R.V.

This 2000 starts with aromas of citrus fruit, currants, flowers, and fresh mushrooms. The palates leads off full and rich, with round tannins and a dusty texture. Plenty of fruit and sliced mushrooms on the palate, but it is still tight. Pull the cork after 2010.

Beautiful tobacco berry cedar and plum aromas in this one. Full-bodied yet very fine and reserved with silky tannins and a medium finish. I still prefer the 1998 but this is very very fine indeed. An Haut-Brion with lots of finesse. Best after 2010. -JS