The 1988 Haut-Brion is delicious, if lighter in style than the two vintages which follow it. The nose is relatively youthful, and there are still abundant aromas of currants and plum, now accented with hints of cedar, smoke and gunflint. The texture is silky, and the trademark acidity of the ’88 vintage drives the wine to a vibrant finish. Produced from nearly equal proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a splash of Cabernet Franc.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 01/01/2003 A more firmly structured Haut-Brion, built somewhat along the lines of the 1996, this dark garnet-colored wine is showing notes of licorice, underbrush, compost, truffles, dried herbs, creosote, and sweet black cherries and currants. Medium-bodied, rich, but still structured, this wine unfolds incrementally on the palate, showing superb density and a lot of complex Graves elements. It is just beginning to hit its plateau of full maturity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025. Last tasted, 11/02. A Possible Legend Candidate (91)

A more firmly structured Haut-Brion, built somewhat along the lines of the 1996, this dark garnet-colored wine is showing notes of licorice, underbrush, compost, truffles, dried herbs, creosote, and sweet black cherries and currants. Medium-bodied, rich, but still structured, this wine unfolds incrementally on the palate, showing superb density and a lot of complex Graves elements. It is just beginning to hit its plateau of full maturity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025. Last tasted, 11/02.

Sweeter and more caramelised dark fruit on the nose than the Pichon Lalande 1988 tasted alongside. Hint of jam on nose. And then very tight. Almost rugged next to the lightweight Pichon, with a hint of pepperiness. Much more texture on the tannins. Power and still dark fruit and very slight burnt on the finish. Held up well and good with roast beef. (TC)

Sweeter and more caramelised dark fruit on the nose than the Pichon Lalande 1988 tasted alongside. Hint of jam on nose. And then very tight. Almost rugged next to the lightweight Pichon, with a hint of pepperiness. Much more texture on the tannins. Power and still dark fruit and very slight burnt on the finish. Held up well and good with roast beef. (TC)