The year 1976 was very hot and dry in Bordeaux. It produced everything from wines that were unbalanced and short-lived to outstanding. Some lacked acid. A few of the top wines still are drinking well. In the 70s, La Mission Haut-Brion often produced a fuller wine than Haut-Brion, and quite a few would argue that La Mission Haut-Brion was the better in many years - especially those who liked fuller wines.
The bottle of La Mission Haut-Brion that I just opened had near perfect storage. It is of course ready, but it likely will hold a few more years. The color is quite deep still, with only a slight indication of age around the rim. This is a very big wine - nearly port-like in size without the port sweetness. There is ample acid, but it perhaps would benefit from a bit more. There are still medium tannins, now rather smooth. The fruit remids me of very concentrated dark mixed fruits, including dark plums.There is a hint of mixed spice. The finish is fairly long. The wine may be just a bit heavy to call great, but it is very much above average.
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