1996 Wine

Wine Spectator, 96 points: This leans toward the tropical side, with mango and guava notes out front, while maple, date, blood orange and citrus oil flavors fill in behind. The finish kicks into another gear, taking off with honeysuckle, orange...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, 93 points: Saturated ruby-red. Pure, highly perfumed aromas of black cherry, currant, plum, minerals, tobacco, leather and fresh herbs. Very ripe, suave and spicy; at once subtle and gripping. Lovely cabernet character dominating...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, 94 points: Bright medium ruby. Deep, superripe aromas of dark berries, black cherry and bitter chocolate; slightly exotic crystallized fruit aspect. Dense, sweet and wonderfully rich; a lovely combination of palate-caressing...

Neal Martin's Wine Journal, 96 points: 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...

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 91 points: Full ruby-red. Very reticent aromas of plum, black cherry, leather, dark chocolate and flowers; faint suggestion of surmaturite. Fat with sweet fruit; lush and voluminous for the vintage. Finishes with big but very even...

Wine Spectator, 96 points: Fabulous aromas of crushed raspberries plums and blackberries. Mind-blowing nose. Full-bodied with soft and silky tannins and a long caressing finish. Hard not to drink now but leave it alone.--'95/'96 Bordeaux...

Wine Spectator, 92 points: This is much more open than the 1995. Offers aromas and flavors of currant mint and spices. Full-bodied soft and velvety with a fruit finish. Starting to drink well now.--Lynch-Bages non-blind vertical. Best from 2008...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 100 points: The 1996 Chateau Margaux, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, must be a strong contender for wine of the vintage. It offers everything you desire from this First Growth...