Haut Brion 1996

Wine Advocate

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 bottle. I had expected it to be more forward, and thus slightly down-graded the wine, although I am thrilled to own it and follow what appears to be a slow evolution. It will be a potentially long-lived wine. The 1996 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, and a surprisingly tight bouquet. With aeration, notes of fresh tobacco, dried herbs, smoke, asphalt, and black fruits emerge ... but reluctantly. It is tannic and medium-bodied, with outstanding purity and a layered, multidimensional style. However, the finish contains abundant tannin, suggesting that this wine needs 5-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #122, Apr 1999)

Neal Martin

Tasted at Bordeaux Index lunch. The Haut Brion 1996 continues to shine as one of the estate's standout releases of the decade. There is something perhaps a little rustic on the nose at first, more "animally" than I have noticed on previous bottles. But it just oozes Graves-like fruit, hints of black olive, scorched earth and undergrowth. This is a nose you can lose yourself in. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity, the tannins having just softened a little since two years ago. It is very elegant, extremely well balanced and there is a subtle, insistent crescendo that is utterly entrancing. This is an Haut Brion that is simply full of character. Superb. Drink 2015-2025. Tasted December 2013.

– eRobertParker.com, May 2014

Michael Schuster

Medium depth, brick-rimmed ruby red; early bouquet, classic ‘wax and warm brick’ character, along with a fine gravelly scent and fresh red fruit; very nicely balanced indeed, fresh, moderately concentrated, elegant middleweight with a particularly refined tannin; fine, pebbly red fruit flavour, long, graceful and refined, the tannin still a touch ‘dry’, but with a fine, complex aromatic dimension and really excellent length; not a big wine but no weakness, classic Haut Brion, just becoming accessible. Seems more harmonious, easier and more graceful than the 1995. Ideally leave 4 years or so. Drink 2010-25

Wine Lister

Quality 935 | Brand 998 | Economics 962 | buzz brand
Quality: Predicted life of 18 years, one of the longest drinking windows in its peer group for the 1996 vintage, which averages 9 years Brand: Strong restaurant presence, featuring on 50 of the world's top wine lists, including Chez Bruce Economics: More traded at auction than its peers, its top 5 vintages having seen 3,255 75cl equivalent bottles traded in the past year Production: Higher production than its peer group average of 92,455 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017