Parker about Château Haut Brion Magnum 1996
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, 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.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux Pessac-Léognan |
Rebsorten | Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 39%, Cabernet Franc 11% |
Alkoholgehalt | 13.00% |
Füllstand | high fill |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | Red |
Inverkehrbringer | Château Haut Brion, 133 Av. Jean Jaures 24, 33602 Pessac, France |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 16-18°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2016 - 2050 |
Parker Punkte | 95 |
Jahrgang | 1996 |
Bordeaux Pessac-Léognan, France 🇫🇷

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Château Haut Brion Magnum 1996

Château Haut-Brion is a renowned winery in Bordeaux, France, known worldwide for its premium wines. The Château Haut-Brion 1996 is a remarkable wine from this house, reflecting the estate's high quality and terroir.
The Château Haut-Brion 1996 presents itself in the glass with a deep, dark ruby red color, indicative of its concentration and maturity. Its elegance and finesse are evident even at first glance.
On the nose, the wine unfolds a complex and enticing bouquet. Aromas of black cherries, cassis, and blackberries dominate, accompanied by nuances of tobacco, leather, and cedar wood. These aromas create a harmonious blend, lending the wine depth and complexity.
On the palate, the Château Haut-Brion 1996 reveals impressive structure and elegance. The ripe fruit aromas continue, accompanied by subtle spicy notes such as cloves and pepper. The tannins are silky and well-integrated, giving the wine a smooth texture and a pleasant mouthfeel. The acidity is lively, contributing to the wine's freshness and longevity. The finish is long and persistent, with the aromas lingering long aftertaste.
The 1996 Château Haut-Brion is a wine of exceptional quality and class. With its ripe aromas, balanced structure, and remarkable length, it is a true delight for lovers of fine wines. It should be noted that this vintage has already experienced several years of bottle aging, allowing its aromas and complexity to fully develop.