The 1996 La Mission Haut Brion is a Bordeaux Blend originating from the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by La Mission Haut Brion, this red wine features a 13.0% alcohol content and is sealed with a cork closure.
Neal Martin, writing for "Neal Martin's Wine Journal" on July 1, 2008, awarded the wine a score of 95. He described the wine as having a "very fine, cedar and tobacco infused nose" and noted that it is "quintessentially ’96 claret." Martin observed that while it does not have the precision of the 2005 or 2000 vintages, it possesses more vigor than the 1995. The palate is characterized as "medium- to full-bodied" and "assertive and 'big-boned'." He also highlighted the wine’s "superb persistency on the leafy, slightly peppery finish." Martin suggested that the wine could benefit from a few more years in the bottle and recommended drinking it between 2012 and 2040.
Vinous, with a review dated September 16, 2021, gave the 1996 La Mission Haut Brion a score of 93. Neal Martin, writing for Vinous, noted that this vintage is an improvement over the previous one but still falls short of the decade’s high point, which he identifies as 1998. He described the nose as featuring "scents of warm gravel and scorched earth" and characterized the palate as "structured," "drier," and "more austere" than the 1998 vintage. Martin also mentioned experiencing bottle variation and suggested decanting the wine for a few hours before serving.
Decanter reviewed the wine on November 2, 2019, also giving it a score of 95. The review highlighted that many 1996 wines are still closed up due to hefty tannins but found this one ready for drinking with proper carafing. It described the wine as full of "generous, rippling berry fruits and soft smudges of cigar box and peat," with a "menthol sign off." Decanter recommended pairing it with homemade Shepherd's pie and expressed optimism for the performance of Left Bank 1996s in the coming years.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com, reviewing the wine on November 26, 2023, gave it a score of 92. Leve described the aroma as consisting of "burning wood, smoked herbs, leafy tobacco, and sharp red currants with a peppery edge." On the palate, he found the wine to be "crisp, firm, and slanting towards austere," noting that it might be better appreciated by those who favor an old-school style. Leve suggested drinking the wine between 2023 and 2045.
Overall, the 1996 La Mission Haut Brion is a well-regarded wine with high scores from multiple reviewers, praised for its complex nose, structured palate, and potential for further aging.
