WINEMAKER NOTES
1996 Chateau Haut-Brion – Classical Structure from a Legendary Vintage
The 1996 Chateau Haut-Brion is widely regarded as one of the defining wines of the decade, combining authority, restraint, and longevity in a way that few Bordeaux achieve. From the gravel-rich soils of Pessac-Leognan, this First Growth delivers a profoundly structured and mineral-driven expression that continues to evolve with remarkable clarity.
Tasting Notes
The nose reveals layers of cassis, graphite, cigar tobacco, and subtle smoke. On the palate, the wine is focused and tightly knit, offering dark fruit, mineral tension, and finely resolved tannins. Fresh acidity gives lift and precision, carrying through a long, refined finish that underscores the wine’s balance and classical Left Bank profile.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. Fruit was harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified parcel by parcel before extended aging in new French oak barrels. The cool, structured nature of the 1996 growing season favored wines of definition and longevity, particularly in Pessac-Leognan.
Investment & Collectibility
The 1996 vintage has long been prized by collectors for its aging capacity and consistency. Chateau Haut-Brion’s reputation, combined with the vintage’s proven performance over nearly three decades, positions this wine as a cornerstone for mature Bordeaux collections.
Vintage Insights & Accolades
The 1996 Bordeaux vintage is celebrated for its structure and freshness, particularly on the Left Bank. At Haut-Brion, these conditions produced a wine of precision and enduring strength.
Explore Related Collections
Shipping Information
Domestic Shipping
We ship wine to eligible U.S. states via UPS or FedEx. Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after the shipping cutoff will be scheduled for the next available shipping day.
Los Angeles Delivery
Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles area Monday through Friday for orders placed before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Please contact us to confirm availability and delivery arrangements.
Packaging & Temperature
Wine is packed in protective EPS foam shipping containers, with gel packs used when appropriate. Original Wooden Cases (OWC) are shipped separately to help protect both the wine and the wooden case during transit.
Because wine is temperature-sensitive, we may recommend expedited shipping or holding an order when weather conditions present an elevated risk. Please review our Temperature Protection & Shipping Policy for additional information.
Weather Holds & Storage
During periods of extreme heat or cold, shipments may be delayed until conditions improve. Customers may also request that an order be held for a later shipping date.
Complimentary temperature-controlled storage is available for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the available weather-hold option at checkout or contact us to coordinate a future shipment.
Shipping Protection
Shipping protection for loss or visible damage in transit is included with eligible shipments, subject to applicable terms and carrier requirements. Temperature-related deterioration is not covered.
Please review our Temperature Protection & Shipping Policy for additional details.
Adult Signature Required
All wine deliveries require an adult signature from a recipient age 21 or older. Please ensure an eligible adult is available to receive the shipment.
Additional carrier charges may apply for failed delivery attempts, address changes, redirection, returned shipments, or reshipment.
Shipping Address
Please verify your shipping address carefully before completing checkout. Additional charges resulting from an incorrect or incomplete address, rerouting, returned shipment, or reshipment are the responsibility of the customer.
International Shipping
International shipping may be available to select destinations and requires review before purchase. Please see our International Shipping Information for eligibility and inquiry details.
Where We Ship
We currently ship wine to the following U.S. states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Shipping laws and carrier availability may change. If your state is not available as a shipping destination at checkout, please contact us to confirm current eligibility.
1996 Chateau Haut-Brion – Classical Structure from a Legendary Vintage
The 1996 Chateau Haut-Brion is widely regarded as one of the defining wines of the decade, combining authority, restraint, and longevity in a way that few Bordeaux achieve. From the gravel-rich soils of Pessac-Leognan, this First Growth delivers a profoundly structured and mineral-driven expression that continues to evolve with remarkable clarity.
Tasting Notes
The nose reveals layers of cassis, graphite, cigar tobacco, and subtle smoke. On the palate, the wine is focused and tightly knit, offering dark fruit, mineral tension, and finely resolved tannins. Fresh acidity gives lift and precision, carrying through a long, refined finish that underscores the wine’s balance and classical Left Bank profile.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. Fruit was harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified parcel by parcel before extended aging in new French oak barrels. The cool, structured nature of the 1996 growing season favored wines of definition and longevity, particularly in Pessac-Leognan.
Investment & Collectibility
The 1996 vintage has long been prized by collectors for its aging capacity and consistency. Chateau Haut-Brion’s reputation, combined with the vintage’s proven performance over nearly three decades, positions this wine as a cornerstone for mature Bordeaux collections.
Vintage Insights & Accolades
The 1996 Bordeaux vintage is celebrated for its structure and freshness, particularly on the Left Bank. At Haut-Brion, these conditions produced a wine of precision and enduring strength.
Explore Related Collections
1996 Chateau Haut-Brion – Classical Structure from a Legendary Vintage
The 1996 Chateau Haut-Brion is widely regarded as one of the defining wines of the decade, combining authority, restraint, and longevity in a way that few Bordeaux achieve. From the gravel-rich soils of Pessac-Leognan, this First Growth delivers a profoundly structured and mineral-driven expression that continues to evolve with remarkable clarity.
Tasting Notes
The nose reveals layers of cassis, graphite, cigar tobacco, and subtle smoke. On the palate, the wine is focused and tightly knit, offering dark fruit, mineral tension, and finely resolved tannins. Fresh acidity gives lift and precision, carrying through a long, refined finish that underscores the wine’s balance and classical Left Bank profile.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. Fruit was harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified parcel by parcel before extended aging in new French oak barrels. The cool, structured nature of the 1996 growing season favored wines of definition and longevity, particularly in Pessac-Leognan.
Investment & Collectibility
The 1996 vintage has long been prized by collectors for its aging capacity and consistency. Chateau Haut-Brion’s reputation, combined with the vintage’s proven performance over nearly three decades, positions this wine as a cornerstone for mature Bordeaux collections.
Vintage Insights & Accolades
The 1996 Bordeaux vintage is celebrated for its structure and freshness, particularly on the Left Bank. At Haut-Brion, these conditions produced a wine of precision and enduring strength.
Explore Related Collections
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