Wines Pessac-Léognan Château La Mission Haut-Brion - 1996

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1996 is a benchmark red wine from the illustrious Pessac-Léognan appellation, located within the Graves subregion of Bordeaux. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a touch of Cabernet Franc, this vintage showcases the classic blend and character for which the château is renowned. The 1996 vintage benefited from a favourable growing season, with an unusually warm summer and a cool September, resulting in a wine of exceptional balance, structure, and ageing potential. The wine was vinified with meticulous care, using traditional methods in temperature-controlled vats, followed by maturation in French oak barrels that add complexity and finesse.

The Pessac-Léognan appellation lies at the northern end of the Graves, just south of the city of Bordeaux. The region's terroir is defined by its gravelly soils mixed with clay and sand, lending exceptional drainage and lending distinctive minerality to the wines. The Atlantic moderates the climate, allowing for slow, even ripening of the grapes. Graves, with its long and storied history dating back to the Middle Ages, is celebrated for producing some of the world’s most revered and ageworthy reds, capable of developing intricate bouquets of cedar, tobacco, dark fruits, and earthy undertones over decades.

This 1996 vintage, now with considerable age, likely displays a harmony of tertiary aromas such as leather, truffle, and cigar box alongside lingering notes of cassis and dried herbs. It pairs beautifully with classic Bordeaux cuisine, such as roast lamb with rosemary, duck confit, or entrecôte à la Bordelaise. For a regional touch, consider serving it with cèpes mushrooms or aged Comté cheese, which will complement the wine’s complexity and savoury depth.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least 1-2 hours to allow the bouquet to fully express itself. Serve at a temperature of 17-18°C, in large Bordeaux glasses, to appreciate both aromatic nuance and palate structure.