In Bond Fine Wine. 1996 Château Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 92/100 (RP). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Haut Brion is one of Bordeaux’s most revered names - historically significant, stylistically singular, and consistently among the region’s finest wines. Classified as a First Growth in 1855 and uniquely located within the Pessac commune (now part of Pessac-Leognan), Haut Brion stands apart from its Left Bank peers both geographically and in character. The estate dates back to the 16th century and was the first Bordeaux wine to gain international acclaim, famously praised by Samuel Pepys in 1663. Owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon since 1935, Haut Brion’s 51 hectares of red grape vineyards (plus 2.5 ha for white wine) are planted to approx.. 45% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc—Haut Brion is known for its deep, earthy complexity and aromatics, layered refinement. polished tannins and remarkable ageing potential. Haut Brion Blanc is among the world’s most disti…
Robert Parker (RP) — 92/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/04/1999 · Drink 2008-2030
The backward 1996 Haut-Brion was bottled in July, 1998. Even administrator Jean Delmas was surprised by how closed it was when I tasted it in January. Only 60% of the crop was utilized in the final blend, which was 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc. Out of barrel, this wine exhibited far more forthcoming aromatics as well as a sweeter mid-palate than it revealed from bott…
Neal Martin (NM) — 95/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 28/10/2016 · Drink 2016-2050
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 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,…
Jancis Robinson MW (JR) — 18–19/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 15/08/2007 · Drink 2008-2020
Lovely development. Absolutely classic transparent fruit in this wine which is just starting to take on weight.