Nineteen Fifty Nine Haut-Brion

The first case of proper wine I ever professionally sold, August 1985, was a sealed Original Wooden Case of Chateau Haut-Brion 1959. We gently opened the case in the London cellar and each bottle was wrapped in a straw-sleeve…amazing! All was perfect and the fellow offered me £900 for the case of 12 bottles, that was the current Christie’s price then, so everyone was happy.

Today, August 2025, we have 1 bottle 1959 Haut-Brion in stock @ £3.995+ taxes/shipping for the bottle (photograph*) ex London City Bond VT

The 1959 Haut-Brion is, in my view, the most moving of the utterly profound wines on the table. Ripe and flamboyant, the 1959 races across the palate with kirsch, mint, licorice and tobacco, all in an unctuous, flashy style that captivates all the senses. A darker and more voluptuous version of the 1961, the 1959 has it all. Layered and sweet on the palate, with fabulous depth and breathtaking complexity, the 1959 boasts superb polish, a long, seamless finish and tremendous harmony. At times, the 1959 exhibits an almost Burgundian-like sense of finesse and lightness on the palate. Quite simply, this is as good as it gets. The 1959 shows no signs of fading; rather it is likely to gradually lose intensity over the next 10-15 years, although it may last well beyond that. I wasn’t born when the 1959 was made, so I can only imagine what it must have tasted like as a young wine. Even today, it is incredibly rich. In a word: unforgettable. 100/100pts (AG)

and another note:

Then the 1959 Haut-Brion arrives. Bacon fat, smoke, graphite, spices, soy and cedar accompany a much darker, more imposing expression of fruit. Served from magnum, the 1959 Haut-Brion needs time to soften, as the tannins remain imposing. I imagine the 1959 will drink well for many, many years to come. On this night, it is simply awe-inspiring.

Orders: william@worldwineconsultants.com