Lot 323
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 1995 (2) WS 95 WA 96
CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 1995 (1) WA 95+
Lot 323 Details
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 1995 (2)
Pessac-Léognan. 1er Cru Classé
u. 2 x 1 cm. scuffed label. writing on the label.
It is fun to go back and forth between the 1995 and 1996, two superb vintages for Haut-Brion. The 1995 seems to have sweeter tannin and a bit more fat and seamlessness when compared to the more structured and muscular 1996. Certainly 1995 was a vintage that the brilliant administrator Jean Delmas handled flawlessly. The result is a deep ruby/purple-colored wine with a tight but promising nose of burning wood embers intermixed with vanilla, spice box, earth, mineral, sweet cherry, black currant, plum-like fruit, medium to full body, a high level of ripe but sweet tannin, and a finish that goes on for a good 40-45 seconds. This wine is just beginning to emerge from a very closed state where it was unyielding and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted, 11/02. WS 95 WA 96
CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 1995 (1)
Pessac-Léognan. Grand Cru Classé
u. bn. soiled label. writing on the label
One of the bigger wines of the vintage, the ripe, powerful Merlot component has buttressed the Cabernet elements, giving the wine plenty of body, tannin and La Mission’s classic asphalt, cassis, blackberry, smoky barbecue, meaty notes intermixed with a hint of hot rocks. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035? August 2012 WA 95+