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 from Los Angeles, California, to eligible U.S. states via UPS or FedEx. Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 PM Pacific Time typically ship the same business day. Orders received after Thursday's cutoff or Friday through Sunday are generally held until Monday to avoid weekend transit. Shipping schedules may vary due to weather, holidays, and carrier operations.
Same-day local delivery may be available within the Los Angeles area Monday through Friday for orders placed before 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Please contact us to confirm availability and arrangements.
Packaging & Weather Holds
All wines are packed in protective EPS foam shipping containers, with gel packs used when appropriate. Original Wooden Cases (OWC) are shipped separately to protect both the wine and its original packaging.
During periods of excessive heat or freezing temperatures, we may recommend expedited shipping or holding your order. Complimentary temperature-controlled storage is available for up to six months from the purchase date. Select the weather-hold option at checkout or contact us to arrange a future shipment.
Please review our Temperature Protection & Shipping Policy for shipping recommendations, weather forecasts, and temperature-related responsibilities.
Shipping Protection
Shipping protection against eligible loss or physical damage during transit is included with qualifying shipments, subject to applicable coverage terms, exclusions, and claims requirements. Temperature-related deterioration, including heat or cold exposure, is not covered.
Delivery & Signature Requirements
All wine deliveries require an adult signature from a recipient aged 21 or older. Customers are responsible for providing an accurate shipping address and ensuring an eligible adult is available on the first delivery attempt.
Failed delivery attempts, incorrect or incomplete addresses, refused deliveries, rerouting, or returned shipments may result in additional carrier, return, and reshipment charges payable by the customer.
International Shipping
International shipping may be arranged to select destinations, subject to prior approval and a minimum order of $2,000. Availability, import requirements, duties, and restrictions vary by destination. Please review our International Shipping Information before placing an order.
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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 eligibility is subject to applicable laws and carrier availability. If your state is unavailable at checkout, please contact us to confirm current shipping options.
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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