John Osgood

9.5

Disgorged 2011. Drinking excellent with a profound nose. Great texture on the palate with layers of complexity. The best bottle of Initial that I've had to date. — 11 years ago

with K

Lesa Gough

9.1

Lovely jammy fruit, but made with restraint. Decent complexity and nice balance , great with food. — 12 years ago

Yoon Ha

Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu

9.8

So much life here, energy and freshness to spare. Lovely mature fruits, woodsy complexity over a velour texture. — 12 years ago

David Speer

9.4

Powerful wine with lots of complexity and depth. — 11 years ago

DrinkBordeaux

9.6

Impressive complexity and concentration. Nose of dark ripe fruit, truffle, and violet. Silky smooth palate, round tannins. Enjoyable now, but will really improve with time! — 11 years ago

Mike Evans

9.5

The classic Haut Brion nose of tobacco and minerals roars from the glass, though still pretty tannic and tight on the palate. Air smooths it out and brings out more complexity. — 12 years ago

Mark Gunning

9.2

Classic Musar complexity on the nose. Not as tannic as the 2005 and a bit more approachable than the last vintage. Lots of black fruits. Still lots of ageing potential. — 12 years ago

Lewis Chester

9.6

Wow. Fresh as a daisy. Young and elegant with chalky, iodine notes. Good complexity. Don't even think about opening this baby for another decade. — 11 years ago

John Skupny - Lang & Reed Wine Company

9.6

Expressive without being effusive - great complexity - a joy with Bar Terra slices of Toro & Lobster ravioli! — 12 years ago

Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.4

Really wonderful classic Rioja. Opens after 1 hour. Superb depth and complexity. — 12 years ago