Château Haut-Brion 1996 – Pessac-Léognan Bordeaux

Château Haut-Brion 1996 is a wine that speaks directly to the soul of the wine lover. A true legend of Bordeaux and one of the most iconic 1er Grand Cru Classé wines in the world. Here, historical greatness meets world-class terroir and a craftsmanship that for centuries has set the standard for what great wine can be.

1996 is a vintage that collectors and connoisseurs have a special relationship with. Despite a changeable climate, Château Haut-Brion managed to create a wine with impressive structure, depth and balance. It is precisely in challenging years that the greatest châteaux show their true colors – and Haut-Brion delivers a wine with both power and refined elegance.

This is Bordeaux at its very best. A wine made for big moments, collection and slow enjoyment.

Taste experience – depth, finesse and mineral grandeur

The color is dark and concentrated, with deep, almost inky black hues that testify to the wine’s power and concentration.

The aroma is complex and layered: ripe blackcurrant, cherry and blackberry are accompanied by classic notes of cedar, tobacco and toasted oak. With time in the glass, secondary aromas unfold – leather, truffle and a distinctive mineral note that is the signature of Pessac-Léognan.

In the mouth, the wine is velvety and intense. Dark fruit, bitter chocolate and fine spices melt together in a structured yet elegant whole. The tannins are ripe and perfectly integrated and the finish is long, persistent and refined with a cool, mineral finish.

Serving: Decant for 1-2 hours and serve at 17-18°C.
Food Match: Ideal with beef tenderloin, game, truffle dishes or classic French gastronomy.

Terroir & vinification

Château Haut-Brion is located in the heart of Pessac-Léognan, just a few kilometers from Bordeaux city. The soil consists of the famous gravel deposits – graves – which give the wines their characteristic minerality, structure and freshness.

The grapes are harvested by hand and only the best bunches are selected. The wine is composed of a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new, adding depth, complexity and elegant barrel notes.

The result is a wine with great concentration, balance and ageing potential that extends over decades.

History of the house – Château Haut-Brion

Château Haut-Brion is Bordeaux’s oldest wine estate with written references dating back to 1521. For centuries, the estate has been a symbol of luxury, innovation and uncompromising quality.

As early as 1855, Haut-Brion was listed as one of the original Premier Grand Cru Classé – the only one from the Graves region. In 1935, the property was purchased by American financier Clarence Dillon, who restored its greatness. Today, the legacy is carried on by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, who combines tradition with modern precision.

Haut-Brion is not just a wine – it’s an icon. A name that commands respect around the world and a château that continues to define what great Bordeaux should be.

Product information

• Type: Red wine
• Region: Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Haut-Brion
• Vintage: 1996
• Quantity: 75 cl.
• Alcohol content: 13%
• Contains: Sulfites