Haut-Brion’s grand vin is the embodiment of five centuries of tradition and plays a pivotal role in the worldwide history of wine. It is the oldest of the Bordeaux classed growths, the inventor of a new style of wine fashioned in the seventeenth century, and considered the world’s first luxury brand.

Typically more Merlot dominant than other Left Bank wines, the terroir of Haut-Brion is expressed through its empyreumatic bouquet (Havana cigars, chocolate, roasting, cedar wood, and so on). The attack is restrained, with precise yet exceedingly soft tannins. But the power of this wine is revealed in the surprising long mid-palate and even longer finish.

The 1996 Haut Brion Bordeaux Blend from the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a distinguished red wine produced by Haut Brion. This vintage has garnered significant attention and praise from wine critics, with scores ranging from 91 to 96 points.

Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 93, noting its "gorgeous aromas of crushed berries, cigar box, black licorice, and tanned leather." The review highlights its full-bodied nature, fine silky tannins, and a medium to long finish, although it seems "a little tight right now." The publication suggests it will be best enjoyed after 2008 (Wine Spectator, 4/1/2007).

James Suckling provided a score of 91, describing an "impressive nose of sweet tobacco with hints of prunes and black cherries." He found the palate velvety but mentioned it was "a little dull on the finish." He observed that the wine opens up more when allowed to breathe in the glass (James Suckling, 1/19/2011).

Jancis Robinson offered one of the highest scores at 95, appreciating its composition of 50% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon. She described it as "wonderfully round and developed and subtle," with a "chewy end still there." Robinson believes it has not yet fully unfurled and should evolve into a great wine (Jancis Robinson, 2/17/2011).

Neal Martin's Wine Journal praised the wine with a score of 96, highlighting its "Graves-like fruit, hints of black olive, scorched earth, and undergrowth." He admired its medium-bodied palate, fine line of acidity, and well-balanced structure, calling it "simply full of character" and "superb" (Neal Martin's Wine Journal, 5/1/2014).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave it a 96, describing it as "brilliant" and "comparatively underestimated today." William Kelley noted its aromas of tobacco leaf, sweet currant fruit, loamy soil, cedar box, and camphor. He praised its medium to full-bodied nature, deep core of fruit, sweet tannins, and long, sapid finish (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 12/22/2023).

Jeff Leve echoed the high praise with a score of 96, emphasizing the flavors of "black currants, cigar wrappers, and cigar smoke." He noted its medium-bodied, elegant profile and a finish that mirrors its nose, with a hint of spearmint at the end. He recommended decanting for two hours (TheWineCellarInsider.com, 9/10/2023).

Overall, the 1996 Haut Brion Bordeaux Blend is a wine of finesse and balance, recognized for its complex aromas, refined palate, and potential for further aging.