Very ripe, rich and fleshy, although still with a hard backbone. Deep ruby, brick-red color, ripe, intense raspberry aromas, full-bodied, with ripe, rich raspberry flavors and cedar and tobacco notes. There's plenty of tannin here. better in 1994 to '96.--La Mission-Haut-Brion vertical.

The 1966 La Mission-Haut-Brion, never quite as rich and deep as the 1964, is still a beautifully made, elegant La Mission, with a very cedary and leather-scented, fruity bouquet, medium to full body, and a long, supple, velvety finish. I would advise those who have it in their wine collections to consume it over the next 4-5 years. It does not appear capable of getting any better, and may, in fact, be just starting to lose the fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.