1996 Bahans Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
1996 Bahans Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The venerable 1996 vintage of the Bahans Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion stands out as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Bordelaise paradigm. Navigating through the tapestry of vintages in Bordeaux is akin to unravelling the chronicles of wine itself; each tells a story, with the 1996 narrating a particularly compelling tale.
Distinctive Vintage, Distinctive Elegance
The mid-nineties were heralded for yielding robust, classic Bordeaux wines, and the 1996 Bahans Haut Brion shines as one of the exemplary progeny from this epoch. This particular year was credited with an extended, drier autumn which permitted an unhurried maturation of Cabernet Sauvignon - the cornerstone grape of Pessac-Leognan's illustrious plateau. A discreet opulence permeates through this wine, distinguishing it from its brethren with its intense and refined structure.
The palate reveals an intricately laced symphony of ripe cassis, intermingling with subtle undertones of truffle and cigar box - quintessential hallmarks of a mature Pessac-Leognan. Suave tannins coalesce perfectly with a vibrant acidity, perpetuating a finish that resonates with elegance and persistence.
A Compelling Proposition for Investors
As anticipated by connoisseurs and investors alike, the 1996 Bahans Haut Brion has ascended to an optimal plateau of maturity. It dispenses generosity in complexity and finesse, traits that are highly sought after in the collectable wine realm. Astute investors note not only its storied provenance but also its present readiness for consumption - a beguiling duality that enhances its investment allure.
In conclusion, one finds oneself returning to the glass time and again, seeking out new threads of flavour and whispers of terroir in the 1996 Bahans Haut Brion. Its evolution is emblematic of Chateau Haut Brion's expertise in crafting longevity and grace, expressed unequivocally in this venerable vintage. A jewel in any investor's collection, this wine exemplifies why the legacy of Bordeaux continues to captivate and invest itself richly into the annals of viniculture.
Market price (HKD)
N/A
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
N/A
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Farr's 1996 horizontal. A much more cedary, forest floor nose. Strong Cabernet. Blackberry. Pine. Very well-knit and harmonious. Focused. Blackberry, cedar, tobacco. Good grip and length. This is very classy. Tasted September 2006.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal
The 1996 Bahans-Haut-Brion (Haut-Brion's second wine) showed every bit as well as it did prior to bottling. The wine is an atypically powerful, rich, tobacco and black fruit-scented wine that is much less forward than normal, but rich, with a nose that is unmistakably Haut-Brion-like. It reveals roasted herbs, scorched earth, and sweet black fruits in both its aromas and flavors. This tannic, structured Bahans will be at its finest between 2002-2012.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 April 1999