The 1995 is a little muted on the nose and demands coaxing but it is worth the effort with powerful ripe black fruits, a touch of oyster shell, black olive and brine. One of those Pessac scents that remind you of the sea. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, much more backward than the 1994. It is very well knit and pure, reluctantly developing second flavours. Focused on the rounded, supple finish with a hint of sea salt on the aftertaste. Excellent. Tasted September 2011.

Medium bright red. Shy nose hints at cherry, redcurrant, tobacco, leather and smoke. Stylish and ripe but in a drier style; has the penetrating flavor I associate with claret. Long on the aftertaste. Seems a bit lower in acidity and finer than the '96.

One of the finest La Tour-Haut-Brions over the last 15 years, the 1995 offers a heady perfume of coffee beans, tobacco, spice, smoke, grilled herbs, and sweet red and black fruits. It is long and round, with copious quantities of red currants, as well as good underlying acid, which gives the wine definition, and a spicy, lush, sweet finish with light but noticeable tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2015.

Pale crimson. Rather raw notes on the nose. A bit skinny. Not bad but you feel a little bit more could be made of this terroir. (JR)