Château-Haut-Brion Pessac Léognan 1996

wa95
ws93

~~$799.00~~

Save $200.00 (25%)

$599.00

SKU 12099

750ml

Haut Brion was the first recorded First Growth to be imported to the United States, when Thomas Jefferson purchased six cases during his French travels and sent them to his estate in Virginia. Unlike the other 4 First Growths, Mouton, Lafite, Latour and Margaux, which are planted to 70-80% Cabernet Sauvignon, Haut Brion has less than 50% Cabernet in the blend, with up to 40% Merlot, which explains why it is usually not as 'big' as its First Growth peers, but eminently more aromatic.

Interestingly, Robert Parker makes a point to say in his 4th edition of Bordeaux, "After more than 30 years of intensely tasting Bordeaux, I have a greater and greater affection for Haut-Brion, its character increasingly appealing to me as I have gotten older and wiser..."

Category	Red Wine
Varietals	Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc
Region	France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan
Brand	Château-Haut-Brion

wa95

Wine AdvocateWhile 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 the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less "feral" than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016.

Neal Martin, July 2016

ws93

Wine SpectatorGorgeous 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. Nice for the vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.

2007

wa 91 Wine Advocate	ws 91 Wine Spectator	st 91 International Wine Cellar	we 91 Wine Enthusiast	js 91 James Suckling	bs 91 Bottle Shop	w&s 91 Wine & Spirits
bh 91 Burghound	wj 91 Wine Journal	wsk 91 Whiskey Advocate	agv 91 Vinous	d 91 Decanter	tp 91 The Tasting Panel	jd 91 Jeb Dunnuck

Château-Haut-Brion Pessac Léognan 1996

Share