La Mission Haut Brion 1985-1999 (and Haut Brion 1989-1990)

The following notes were taken at a vertical tasting chez my fellow wine writer and Master of Wine Clive Coates who regularly runs fine wine tastings at his home in west London. 

The 1990 (at around £1300 a case) and the 1996 (about £500) look the best value of these vintages to me. Certainly on the night, the 1989, while being a great wine, did not seem worth twice as much as the 1990 – though doubtless La Mission '89 basks in the reflected glory of the wonderful Ch Haut Brion '89.

Incidentally, at dinner recently I was served Ch...