Chateau Haut Brion 1996 Premier Grand Cru Classe - Pessac-Leognan 3 x 75cl / 13%

This lot contains three bottles of 1996 Château Haut-Brion from the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux.

Château Haut-Brion is rated as a First Growth under the 1855 Bordeaux Classification and was the first producer to be mentioned by name in English literature, featuring in Samuel Pepys' diaries. The 43.2 hectares devoted to red grape varieties on the estate are planted with 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc. Haut Brion is prized amongst the First Growths for its savoury aromatic complexity and elegance, as well as its accessibility.

'Only 60% of the total production made it into the final blend, which consists of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon & 11% Cabernet Franc. This wine has completely shut down since it was first bottled. Nevertheless, there is immense potential. This is a relatively structured, backward style of Haut-Brion, without the up-front succulence that some of the sweeter vintages such as 1989 and 1990 provide. The wine has a deep ruby colour to the rim and a subtle but emerging nose of scorched earth, dried herbs, black currants, smoke, and a hint of fig. The wine is very concentrated, powerfully tannic, with medium body and outstanding equilibrium, but currently the wine seems to have settled into a very dormant style. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035. 95/100' Robert Parker, tasted 2003.

This lot comes from the temperature-controlled cellar of media businessman and wine enthusiast Lord Evgeny Lebedev, where it has been kept since purchase direct from UK importers.

This Chateau Haut Brion 1996 sold at our online auction for £850