1996 Château Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

Representative blend: 45% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. The second wine is Clarence de Haut Brion (previously Bahans Haut Brion).

Haut Brion is sited across the road from its sister property, La Mission Haut Brion. Both are within the southern suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, and surrounded by development on all sides. It is in part this very specific (and quite warm) microclimate which gives Haut Brion its unique taste - Havana tobacco, earth and spice. It can also be the most velvety and seductive of all the first growths, and to some extent remains underappreciated for its myriad subtleties and beauties.

Haut Brion has been owned by the American Clarence Dillon family since the 1930s.

Tasting Note

Serena Sutcliffe, MW: In 2013, a super, smoky, peaty nose that is just so generous and opulent. Lots of blackcurrant in there with some liquorice too. So youthful and fresh, together with the richness. Big structure and a keeper although it has that alluring Haut Brion softness. Long finish. A superb wine. 04/13

Jamie Ritchie: Still big and powerful, but it has entered the `drinking` phase. Tobacco and spice with depth and concentration. Very good. 11/12