Lot 423
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 1996 (1) WS 93 WA 95
CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE 1996 (1) WA 96
Lot 423 Details
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 1996 (1)
Pessac-Léognan. 1er Cru Classé
scraped & scuffed label
The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less "feral" than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache. Tasted July 2016. Drink: 2016-2050 WS 93 WA 95
CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE 1996 (1)
Pauillac. 2ième Cru Classé
scuffed label
The 1996 Pichon-Lalande has long been one of the high points of this Pauillac estate and now at 20 years of age it is firing on all cylinders. You cannot have any complaints against the nose: intense blackberry, cedar and graphite, all beautifully delineated, demand your attention. The palate offers exquisite balance, refined and yet intense, the Cabernet Sauvignon clearly in the driving seat but assisted by the Merlot that imparts the crucial fleshy texture on the finish. Red berry fruit, cigar box, mint, juniper berries ... this is a complex and riveting Pauillac wine that is going to cruise along its drinking plateau for many years. This is outstanding. Tasted July 2016. October 2016 Drink: 2016-2040 WA 96