1996 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Bordeaux France Wine Tasting Note
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1996
Château La Mission Haut-Brion (Pessac-Léognan)
Burning wood, smoked herbs, leafy tobacco, and sharp red currants with a peppery edge shape the perfume. Crisp, firm, and slanting towards austere in the palate, this is an old-school-styled wine that some tasters will appreciate more than I did. Drink from 2023-2045. 3,214 Views Tasted Nov 26, 20231996 La Mission Haut Brion is a firm, structured, tannic, masculine style of wine. Interestingly, that what I was expecting to find in the 95. This is a clear case of role reversal. With tobacco, cassis and stone aromas, this powerful wine needs another 5 years to sort itself out. 91 Pts 7,516 Views Tasted Dec 18, 20101996 La Mission Haut Brion, dominated by Cabernet is showing some bricking in the color. Chocolate, spice and black plums dominate the aroma. Powerfull and tannic, with a polised entry that finishes a sweet cherry, blackberry and strawberry filled note. Good length and depth. Already open, it offers pleasure today. 91 Pts 6,478 Views Tasted Oct 20, 2008 |
When to Drink Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time
Chateau La Mission Haut Brion needs as long as 15-25 years in the best years until it truly offers its best drinking experiences. Young vintages can be decanted for 3-4 hours or more. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.
Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 15-60 years of age after the vintage.
Serving Chateau La Mission Haut Brion with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips
Chateau La Mission Haut Brion is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion is also good with Asian dishes, and hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms, and pasta.
The white wine of Chateau La Mission Haut Brion is best served with a myriad of different seafood dishes, shellfish, crab, lobster, sushi, sashimi, chicken, pork, and veal, as well as Asian cuisine.
