"Deep ruby-red. Floral, spicy aromas of black cherry, licorice and shoe polish. Thick and dense, with lovely sweetness and inner-mouth flavor. Boasts more volume than either the '98 or '97. Finishes thoroughly ripe, with rich, well-integrated tannins. A very strong vintage for this wine." -Stephen Tanzer
Robert Parker
RP88
"The 1996 Haut Batailley has a modest bouquet with blackberry, cedar and briary scents, not the most complex you will find but it has an attractive purity, a subtle floral scent emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple entry. There is agreeable tertiary black fruit here although I find it just needs more cohesion and backbone towards the finish that feels a little "loose limbed." Perhaps over 20 years it has become a little slack, although the length is commendable. I would drink this now and over the next decade." -Neal Martin
Wine Spectator
WS90
"Aromas of blackberries and cassis, with hints of toasted oak. Full-bodied, chewy and rich. A bit one-dimensional on the palate."
