Chateau Haut-Brion 1996

One of Bordeaux's greatest wines, Château Haut-Brion reveals extraordinary aromas of cassis, blackberry, cigar box, graphite, cedar, smoked earth, and exotic spice. Powerful yet effortlessly elegant, it delivers silky tannins, exceptional complexity, and legendary aging potential.

Food Pairing: Pair with beef Wellington, roast lamb, venison, duck breast, truffle dishes, aged Comté, or wild mushroom risotto.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc, is clearly on a higher plane than La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose, with greater depth of fruit and harmonious scents of underbrush, tar and black olive, this bottle perhaps less "feral" than previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where the Cabernet Franc plays an important role, lending greater complexity. The 1996 has retained and built upon its beguiling fleshiness and will continue to evolve with style and panache.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries, cigar box, black licorice and tanned leather. Full-bodied, with fine silky tannins and a medium to long finish. Seems a little tight right now, but refined and pretty.