1964 CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT BRION 1964

(05-2019) Magnum. Tasted blind to celebrate a 55th birthday. Thick and sweet start but then it dried out a little on the end. Impressive perfume, however, that had a suggestion of tobacco leaf about it. Dense. From another, more concentrated and determinedly tannic era.

(02-2022) The 1964 La Mission Haut-Brion continues to drink very well, offering up an expressive bouquet of dark berry fruit, camphor, smoked meats, loamy soil and cigar ash. Medium-bodied, supple and melting, it's a suave, seamless La Mission that's open-knit and charming. While it's fully mature, at least from my cellar in France it shows no sign of decline—testimony to the extraordinary longevity of this estate's wines under the Wolnter brothers' proprietorship.

(05-2008) Tasted double decanted. The color is evolved, the nose is moderately aromatic, fruity and has hints of humidity. The mouth is rather melted and rounded with taste. Again, a flavor boost occurs between the mid and end. And the wine ends long, but a bit dry, which lowers the note. You can drink it and keep it.

(05-2014) A very solid bottle of this wine served up smoky, licorice, blackberry and earthy tasting experience that alternated between red and black flavors. Medium bodied and fully mature, there is no good reason to age this wine any longer.

(11-1991) A surprisingly rich, round, delicious wine from an overlooked vintage. Medium ruby, with a garnet edge, ripe, perfumed raspberry aromas, full-bodied, with raspberry and earth flavors, medium-full tannins and a rich, sweet finish.