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Château Haut-Brion(1996)

About 1996 Bordeaux:

The climate of 1996 was mostly characterized by its great irregularity. Except for a few days in July, there were no long hot periods. It began to rain rather late in August.
The first half of September was temperate but it rained all the time during the second half. Altogether the summer was average with a few nice intervals.


Chateau tasting notes

This vintage is a wine full of contradictions and difficult to make out. The grapes were acid, but produced a subtle wine. The sugar level was unusually high but the phenolic ripeness read more...
Stephen Tanzer
International Wine Cellar
Issue 84, May/June 1999
92/100
July 2007
Full ruby-red. Initially mute nose opened slowly to reveal complex aromas of raspberry, plum, hot stones, tobacco, saddle leather and toffee. Really explodes on the palate; lush and minerally, with a compelling note of woodsmoke and firm acidity. Wonderful combination of sweetness and vibrancy. Finishes very long and subtle, with firm tannins.
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Robert Parker
The Wine Advocate
Issue 122
92/100
July 2007
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Wine Advocate # 110
Apr-97
(92-94)
April 2008
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Wine Advocate # 115
Feb-98
(95-96)
April 2008
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Wine Advocate # 122
Apr-99
92/100
April 2008
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