1996 Château Haut-Brion
Community Tasting Note
I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine Likes this wine:
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 - Commanderie de Bordeaux - Minnesota - Bordeaux and Sushi (Billy Sushi): Doubler decanted and then slo-O for about 6 hours. What can I say....this was totally in my wheelhouse and an example an aged Haut-Brion.
Nose showed lots of gravel and earth, with dark fruit, leather and tar, later giving way to whiffs of perfumed lavender.
Palate showed plenty of earth and gravel but balanced out with dark fruit (cassis, blackberry and black currants) with old leather and tar notes, and a touch of old oak. The mouthfeel was silky with very fine tannins and just enough acidity to show off the fruit.
This wine was in a perfect place for my palate. Others thought it had lots of life left, but I think it is at its peak, especially if you enjoy a nice balance of fruit and tertiary flavors. Easy 96 for me, and offering a pretty darn good value even at todays prices, especially for those seeking immediate gratification.
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3 comments have been posted
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (4,626 views)
Comment posted by WineBurrowingWombat:
5/5/2022 10:02:00 PM - Ohhh niiice! Can I ask if this picked up at an auction or your own purchase? I've wanted to taste an Haut-Brion with at least 10 yrs of age. Thanks for the notes btw, I drank through you!
Comment posted by I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine:
5/6/2022 4:24:00 AM - I think this was picked up through a private cellar. It was at an event through the MN Chapter of Commanderie de Bordeaux, which is a non-profit group advocating Bordeaux...you pay an initiation fee and dues every year, and the group hosts a number of events. I am applying for membership, and was invited to this event to meet other members. I am sure there must be a group in SF, if you want to look into it. Google "Commanderie de Bordeaux" or talk to Decanting Queen (I believe she is President of the National Chapter), she can get you more information if you need it.
Comment posted by WineBurrowingWombat:
5/6/2022 11:14:00 AM - That sounds real fancy! and fun actually lol