Château La Mission Haut-Brion
La Mission Haut-Brion
Pessac-Leognan
1996
Vintage
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Where it is, October 2026
At Peak: inside the peak window (2004-2032), within the full drinking arc.
This bottle is in its peak window through 2032, with a drinking horizon to 2043.
The ‘96 La Mission Haut-Brion.
Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1996 is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, France.
Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) drinking timeline
Storage and bottle condition can shift the experience.
The peak window sits inside the broader full drinking arc.
Tasting note
Château La Mission Haut-Brion's 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon should reveal cassis, dark cherry and cedar, edged with dried herbs. From Pessac-Leognan, it is expected to feel mature and finely structured, tannins softened by age while acidity preserves a sense of lift. Its peak period reaches 2032 and the drinking window extends to 2043. The finish should be long and savory, revealing spice and earthy notes beneath the remaining dark fruit.
The 1996 vintage
Château La Mission Haut-Brion's 1996 wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, France.
About Château La Mission Haut-Brion
Château La Mission Haut-Brion's wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, France.
From the cellar: pair with
Bone-in ribeye with rosemary butter
The pairing is scaled to the wine's full body.
Braised short ribs with truffle polenta
The wine's fresh acidity keeps the pairing lively.
Aged Comté with quince paste
The pairing leaves room for the wine's firm tannins.
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Frequently Asked
What is Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1996?
Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1996 is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, France.
When should Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1996 be opened?
The canonical CAI full drinking arc is 2002-2043. Within that arc, the peak window is 2004-2032. The full arc is the broader period the wine may drink well; the peak window is when it is most likely to show its best balance. Storage, fill level, cork condition, and preference can shift the decision. Taste before adding more air or holding the rest.
What pairs with Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1996?
Pair this wine with Bone-in ribeye with rosemary butter; Braised short ribs with truffle polenta; or Aged Comté with quince paste.