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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Fri, Nov 28, 2025 09:02 AM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: Bordeaux Red
Vintages: Between 1996 and 1996
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Angelus |
1996 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML) 
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,979.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (4/1999): A massive, powerful Angelus, this wine exhibits a saturated black/ruby/purple color as well as an impressively-endowed nose of dried herbs, roasted meats, new saddle leather, plum liqueur, and cassis. In the mouth, olive notes make an impression. This sweet, full-bodied, exceptionally concentrated wine is atypically backward and ferociously tannic. It was revealing more sweetness and forwardness immediately prior to bottling, but I would now recommend 7-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated Maturity: 2007-2025. |
|
| Ch. Brane-Cantenac |
1996 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,319.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Carruades de Lafite |
1996 |
Pauillac |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 86-88 (2/1998): I have noticed in my tastings that the second wine of Lafite-Rothschild, Carruades de Lafite, has improved over recent years. The 1996, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, may turn out to be the finest Carruades I have ever tasted. It possesses as much power, ripeness, and fleshy fruit (because of the high percentage of Merlot) as I have ever detected in this offering. While it does not quite have the characteristics of Lafite, being fleshier and more accessible, it is a beautifully made wine with a subtle dosage of toasty new oak, an appealing texture, and excellent length. Given its power, this second wine will need 2-4 years of cellaring, and keep for 15+ years (I would not be surprised to see it last for two decades). |
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|
1996 |
Pauillac (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,719.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 86-88 (2/1998): I have noticed in my tastings that the second wine of Lafite-Rothschild, Carruades de Lafite, has improved over recent years. The 1996, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, may turn out to be the finest Carruades I have ever tasted. It possesses as much power, ripeness, and fleshy fruit (because of the high percentage of Merlot) as I have ever detected in this offering. While it does not quite have the characteristics of Lafite, being fleshier and more accessible, it is a beautifully made wine with a subtle dosage of toasty new oak, an appealing texture, and excellent length. Given its power, this second wine will need 2-4 years of cellaring, and keep for 15+ years (I would not be surprised to see it last for two decades). |
|
| Ch. Cos d'Estournel |
1996 |
St. Estephe (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,244.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (10/2018): The 1996 Cos d’Estournel has a fragrant, Pauillac-tinged bouquet with the melted tar and graphite leitmotifs that I remarked upon in previous encounters. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy-textured tannin. I feel that the 1996 shows a tad more maturity than a few months ago, with undergrowth and peat-like notes surfacing with aeration and then a dash of white pepper streaking across the finish. However, it evinces fine persistency and embraces the classic tropes of the 1996 vintages. Though not a top tier Cos d’Estournel, it remains an excellent Saint-Estèphe. Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel vertical at the property. Neal Martin.
WA 94 (7/2016): Tasted at the château, the 1996 Cos d'Estournel was aged in 65% new oak (unlike the 1995 which was 100%) and is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. It has a straight down the line, intense and focused, graphite and melted tar bouquet. It is almost Pauillac in style, no surprise given its proximity. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity, finer tannin than the 1986 Cos d'Estournel tasted alongside, but sharing those same leitmotifs of black pepper and sea salt. I like the nonchalance of this Cos d'Estournel. At 20 years it is not an ostentatious wine, not determined to go out and impress, but its nuance, stylishness and classicism grow on you. Its virtues seem to register only after you swallow the wine and find yourself tempted back for more. Excellent. |
|
| Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou |
1996 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,291.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (4/1999): I tasted the 1996 Ducru Beaucaillou on four separate occasions from bottle in January. The 1996 is long, with a deep mid-palate. It also reveals tannin in the finish. This wine is remarkable. It is muscular, concentrated, and classic. Bottled in late June, 1998, it exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color, as well as a knock-out nose of minerals, licorice, cassis, and an unmistakable lead pencil smell that I often associate with top vintages of Lafite-Rothschild. It is sweet and full-bodied, yet unbelievably rich with no sense of heaviness or flabbiness. The wine possesses high tannin, but it is extremely ripe, and the sweetness of the black currant, spice-tinged Cabernet Sauvignon fruit is pronounced. This profound, backward Ducru-Beaucaillou is a must purchase. It will be fascinating for readers who own the 1996 to follow the evolution of this exceptional vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035.
VM 94+ (8/2002): Bright medium ruby. Deep, superripe aromas of dark berries, black cherry and bitter chocolate; slightly exotic crystallized fruit aspect. Dense, sweet and wonderfully rich; a lovely combination of palate-caressing chocolatey fruit and firm underlying structure. Finishes with excellent grip and great palate-saturating sweetness. Another Outstanding 1996 Medoc wine in the making. Drink 2010 through 2030.
WS 91 (12/2007): Intense aromas of cedar, vanilla, leather and blackberry. Full-bodied, with coffee, vanilla, ripe fruit and a medium finish. Just about ready. The 1995 is certainly better.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 18,000 cases made. |
|
| Ch. L' Eglise Clinet |
1996 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,592.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (4/1999): One of the few profound Pomerols in 1996, l'Eglise-Clinet turned out an uncommonly rich, concentrated wine that is performing well from bottle, even though it is displaying a more tightly-knit structure than it did from cask. The dark ruby/purple color is followed by notes of charcoal, jammy cassis, raspberries, and a touch of sur-maturite. Spicy oak emerges as the wine sits in the glass. It is fat, concentrated, and medium to full-bodied, with a layered, multidimensional, highly nuanced personality. This muscular Pomerol will require 3-5 years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020.
NM 90 (2/2011): Tasted single blind at FINE magazine’s vertical in Dusseldorf. There has a lovely, opulent, almost Burgundian bouquet in terms of its purity and verve. There is a pastille quality to the aromatics: strawberry and raspberry mixed with a touch of crushed stone. Very fine delineation. The palate is sweet on the entry with notes of mulberry, cedar, blackberry and a little white pepper. It is well balanced, concentrated, harmonious and it is just starting to melt towards the soft caressing finish. This is a good wine for a Pomerol ’96.
WS 89 (12/2007): Aromas of sweet tobacco and berries follow through to a full-bodied palate, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. A little austere. I would pop the cork right away.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. |
|
| Les Forts de Latour |
1996 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,903.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 92 (7/2007): Amazing aromas of crushed berries and fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with wonderfully velvety tannins and a long, long finish. This wine has wonderful texture and length. What a second wine!--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.
VM 91 (5/1999): Deep ruby-red. Vibrant cassis and licorice aromas. Firmer and fresher than the '97, with plenty of flesh and backbone. Dense, sweet and deep. Finishes long and subtle. A very strong vintage for this wine.
NM 90 (5/2010): Tasted at an off-line lunch at The Ledbury. A completely different bottle to the one in September 2006. A very deep black/purple colour. At thirteen years of age, it is evolving a lovely cedar, tobacco bouquet with touches of cooked meat, bilberry and a slight salty tang. The palate is full-bodied but with fine tannins, firm backbone, a little furry towards the masculine finish that suggests this Les Forts needs a few more years in bottle. Impressive young sibling to the Grand Vin. Drink 2014-2025.
WA 90 (4/1999): The dense ruby/purple-colored 1996 Les Forts de Latour is exceedingly tannic, with cassis and mushroom-like notes in the aromatics. This full-bodied wine is impressively constituted and one of the finest Forts de Latours of the last two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018. |
|
| Ch. Haut-Brion |
1996 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,779.97 |
2 |
|
| |
NM 96 (12/2013): Tasted at Bordeaux Index lunch. The Haut Brion 1996 continues to shine as one of the estate's standout releases of the decade. There is something perhaps a little rustic on the nose at first, more "animally" than I have noticed on previous bottles. But it just oozes Graves-like fruit, hints of black olive, scorched earth and undergrowth. This is a nose you can lose yourself in. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity, the tannins having just softened a little since two years ago. It is very elegant, extremely well balanced and there is a subtle, insistent crescendo that is utterly entrancing. This is an Haut Brion that is simply full of character. Superb. Drink 2015-2025.
WA 95 (10/2016): While in some vintages La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion can be close in quality, that is not the case in this vintage. The 1996 Haut-Brion, a blend of 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc is clearly on a higher plane than the La Mission. There is something much more expansive and complete on the nose: greater depth of fruit, more harmonious with scents of underbrush, tar, black olive and this bottle perhaps less "feral" than I have noticed on previous examples. The palate is very well balanced with dark cherries, sous-bois and cedar. This is one vintage where I think the Cabernet Franc plays an important role and lends more complexity. This is a 1996 that has retained and built upon beguiling fleshiness and it will continue to evolve with style and panache.
MB [[****]] (3/2001): Just five notes starting in September 1998 at the chateau with Jean Delmas: medium deep; plummy coloured; softer and more harmonious on nose and palate than the '97 alongside. Nice texture, moderate length. Next at the MW Haut-Brion tasting in January 2000. Stlil with youthful good looks; very fragrant, earthy, mocha- Delmas said 'very characteristic Pessac, burnt jam and (can't read my writing!) wine with a high level of resideual sugar and high acidity'. Certainly a rich, chunky wine, with a tannic, iron finish and aftertaste. Ten months later, at the MW tasting of '96s, I wrote: 'totally different ball game'. High mark. Lovely richness and texture. Most recently, tasted blind against six other first growth '96s. Now medium-deep with rich 'legs'; nose packed with fruit, fragrant; sweet, fairly full body masking the tannin and acidity, complete, lovely flavour. My mark was higher than the average. I rated it on a par with Ch. Margaux. Drink 2008-2025.
WS 93 (12/2007): Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries, cigar box, black licorice and tanned leather. Full-bodied, with fine silky tannins and a medium to long finish. Seems a little tight right now. But refined and pretty. Nice for the vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.
VM 92 (6/1999): Full ruby-red. Initially mute nose opened slowly to reveal complex aromas of raspberry, plum, hot stones, tobacco, saddle leather and toffee. Really explodes on the palate; lush and minerally, with a compelling note of woodsmoke and firm acidity. Wonderful combination of sweetness and vibrancy. Finishes very long and subtle, with firm tannins. Stephen Tanzer.
JS 91 (1/2011): Impressive nose of sweet tobacco with hints of prunes and black cherries. The palate is velvety, but it’s a little dull on the finish. Opens a little as the wine is in the glass. Served from imperial bottle. |
|
| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
1996 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$10,829.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (4/1999): Tasted three times since bottling, the 1996 Lafite-Rothschild is unquestionably this renowned estate's greatest wine. As I indicated last year, only 38% of the crop was deemed grand enough to be put into the final blend, which is atypically high in Cabernet Sauvignon (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot). This massive wine may be the biggest, largest-scaled Lafite I have ever tasted. It will require many years to come around, so I suspect all of us past the age of fifty might want to give serious consideration as to whether we should be laying away multiple cases of this wine. It is also the first Lafite-Rothschild to be put into a new engraved bottle (designed to prevent fraudulent imitations). The wine exhibits a thick-looking, ruby/purple color, and a knock-out nose of lead pencil, minerals, flowers, and black currant scents. Extremely powerful and full-bodied, with remarkable complexity for such a young wine, this huge Lafite is oozing with extract and richness, yet has managed to preserve its quintessentially elegant personality. This wine is even richer than it was prior to bottling. It should unquestionably last for 40-50 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. The wine of the vintage?
VM 96+ (8/2002): Full, deep ruby, by far the darkest of these vintages. Knockout nose of great precision: cassis, black cherry, lead pencil, licorice, dried herbs and mint. Densely packed and extremely unevolved; a powerfully structured wine with uncanny precision and penetration. Finishes with powerful, firm tannins and exceptional mounting persistence. An infant, but a great Northern Medoc '96 in the making. Drink 2015 to 2040. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 95 (7/2007): Gorgeous aromas of currant, berries and licorice. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Still holding back. People talk about this as one of the greatest Lafites ever, but I don't think so.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.
NM 97-99 (9/2006): First tasted at the Farr horizontal in January 2003. Deeper than 1995. Nose is closed. Tobacco and wood with a touch of liquorice. Fine definition. Very concentrated palate - full-bodied. At an adolescent stage. Earthy/cigar-box notes. Quite austere on finish. Vin de garde. Very fine indeed. Then at the Lafite vertical in November 2005. Opaque purple/black colour. Just an incredible nose: blackberry, roasted herbs, pain grille all with brilliant definition. Absolutely stunning. The palate is very backward with firm, masculine tannins. Perfect acidity. Dense, earthy black fruits, minerals with a touch of black truffle developing. Incredible concentration and a perfect wine that marries power and finesse. Very complex. Brilliant, but a long-term wine. Leave it 10 years or more. |
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| Ch. Lafleur |
1996 |
Pomerol (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,045.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Latour |
1996 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$7,904.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (6/2000): A spectacular Latour, the 1996 may be the modern day clone of the 1966, only riper. This vintage, which is so variable in Pomerol, St.-Emilion, and Graves, was fabulous for the late-harvested Cabernet Sauvignon of the northern Medoc because of splendid weather in late September and early October. An opaque purple color is followed by phenomenally sweet, pure aromas of cassis infused with subtle minerals. This massive offering possesses unreal levels of extract, full body, intensely ripe, but abundant tannin, and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. Classic and dense, it displays the potential for 50-75 years of longevity. Although still an infant, it would be educational to taste a bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050.
WS 96 (12/2007): Fabulous aromas of crushed raspberries, plums and blackberries. Mind-blowing nose. Full-bodied, with soft and silky tannins and a long caressing finish. Hard not to drink now, but leave it alone.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. 17,000 cases made.
VM 95+ (6/1999): Saturated ruby-red. Dark berries, violet, licorice and a note of torrefaction. Explosive, pure flavors are almost too big for the mouth. Finishes with big, sweet tannins and expanding, exhilarating flavors of pruneaux and crystallized dark berries. Perfectly integrated oak. A great Latour. Stephen Tanzer.
NM 95 (12/2017): Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 1996 Latour is a wine that continues to perplex. I just think that given the vintage, the team would have made a far superior wine nowadays. That said, it is still a very fine Pauillac. Here, it conveyed a sense of "airiness" on the bouquet, more backward and surly than other bottles tasted with attractive damp earth and leather aromas. It feels strict and uncompromising when compared to others. The palate is medium-bodied with light and supple tannin, tart red berry fruit, black pepper and plenty of tobacco indicating its Pauillac origins. This is a well balanced, correct and elegant Latour, not the powerhouse of the 2000 or 2005, yet continuing to give drinking pleasure unabated after two decades. . |
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| Ch. Leoville Las Cases |
1996 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,671.97 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2016): The 1996 Leoville-Las Cases is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc picked between 25 September and 10 October (for fascinating insight, read Robert Parker's remarks about the blend with Michel Delon in the original tasting note). Now at 20 years, it has evolved into an absolutely stunning Saint Julien, clearly one of the best wines from the estate this decade. The bouquet is beautifully defined with intense black cherries, cedar, mint and a touch of oyster shell that seems to gain intensity in the glass. The palate is seamless from start to finish, extraordinarily pure, the 70% new oak totally assimilated of course, impressive weight and power allied with genuine finesse and tension towards the silky smooth finish. It stands as one of the best wines of the vintage without one iota of doubt and it will last 30-40 years without problem. You might call it "proper Claret." You might call it "delicious."
VM 96+ (7/2002): Saturated bright, dark ruby. Perfumed, vibrant, very youthful aromas of cassis, violet and bitter chocolate. Dense and powerful, with great clarity of flavor thanks to a terrific spine of acidity. Almost painfully structured wine but not at all hard. Finishes very long and gripping, with a note of bitter chocolate. Drink 2012 through 2040. Stephen Tanzer.
NM 95 (2/2011): Tasted at Roberson’s Las-Cases vertical. The 1996 is more masculine on the nose with graphite and tobacco, a touch of sea salt developing with time, an estuarine tincture that is refreshing and speaks of its place. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, a saline touch on the entry, much more closed than the nose, obdurate as usual, quite austere towards the cedar and tobacco and mint dominated finish.
WS 92 (12/2007): Incredible nose of blackberry, mineral, cedar and currant. Full-bodied, with silky and refined tannins and a medium caressing finish. It's a beautiful wine that begs to be drunk now but will age and improve for a long time. Drink now. |
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| Ch. Lynch Bages |
1996 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,515.98 |
3 |
|
| |
WS 92 (12/2007): This is much more open than the 1995. Offers aromas and flavors of currant, mint and spices. Full-bodied, soft and velvety, with a fruit finish. Starting to drink well now.--Lynch-Bages non-blind vertical. Best from 2008 through 2012. 35,000 cases made.
VM 91+ (1/2012): (79% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot; 5.2 g/l total acidity; 13% alcohol): Dark ruby-red with a hint of garnet. Cabernet sauvignon-typical aromas of blackcurrant, violet, tobacco, dried herbs and minerals, complicated by a touch of smoky oak. In a distinctly firm, structured style, but with juicy acidity intensifying the dark berry and mineral flavors. Building flesh and sweetness on the back half counterbalances the wine's firm spine, spreading out nicely on the lingering finish. Though currently a little clenched and austere, this wine offers excellent precision and wonderful balance. Ian d'Agata.
WA 91 (10/2016): The 1996 Lynch Bages has a delightful fresh, minty bouquet that does not quite deliver the complexity of recent vintages, nicely perfumed with hints of wilted rose petal developing with time. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity, fresh from the start with blackcurrant pastilles, a touch of tobacco with a tightly coiled, minerally, slightly sharp finish that perhaps just needs a little more depth. I appreciate that lingering pencil lead note on the aftertaste, completing a solid if unspectacular Lynch Bages. It's the kind of Pauillac I would grab from a restaurant list at the right price. A point. |
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| Ch. Margaux |
1996 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$9,029.98 |
5 |
|
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WA 100 (10/2016): The 1996 Chateau Margaux, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, must be a strong contender for wine of the vintage. It offers everything you desire from this First Growth. It is blessed with breathtaking delineation and freshness on the nose, understated at first and then blossoming with mineral-infused black fruit, hints of blueberry, crushed stone and violet. The palate is perfectly balanced with filigree tannin, perfect acidity, a wine where everything seems to be in its right place. Blackberry, crushed stone at the front of the mouth, just a touch of spice towards the finish that shows supreme control. This is a Margaux that seems to light up the senses. It was Outstanding in its youth...something that has not changed one bit over the intervening two decades. This may well turn out to be the Left Bank pinnacle of the 1990s.
VM 96+ (8/2002): Bright full ruby. Pure, perfumed aromas of cassis and violet. Dense and tactile in the mouth; a huge, chewy wine with major extract but also considerable refinement. Almost painfully backward today, and a bit less perfumed than it was in the year or so after the bottling, but the huge tannins show no hardness. Another great expression of cabernet sauvignon from the '96 vintage. Drink 2015 through 2040. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 95 (7/2014): Fully formed now, with a rush of steeped currant and black tea notes that are melded with a backdrop of anise, sandalwood, bergamot and charcoal. The long, suave finish lets the perfume linger, with a weighty feel. This seems to mark the start of the refinement of tannins; despite the power, this is all grace and elegance. |
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| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
1996 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,779.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (10/2019): The last time I tasted the 1996 Mouton Rothschild (maybe a couple of years ago?), I recall it was a bit broody and closed. This showing was anything but! Deep garnet in color, it sashays out of the glass with lavishly dressed, gregarious crème de cassis, baked blackberries and plum pudding scents plus touches of menthol, fenugreek, star anise and sandalwood with fleeting glimpses at dried rose petals and oolong tea. The full-bodied palate is richly fruited, opulent and oh-so seductive, with bags of youthful black fruit and lovely finely grained tannins, finishing with fantastic freshness and length. This was tasted from jeroboam in September 2019.
WS 96 (12/2007): Incredible nose of ultraripe fruit, it's yet subtle and complex. Full-bodied, with very ripe, almost sweet fruit and a long, long caressing finish. Superb. This is edging out the 1995.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010.
VM 95 (12/2019): The 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is the high point of what in retrospect was an inconsistent decade for this First Growth. It has a very attractive, classic Pauillac bouquet: predominantly black fruit laced with cedar, freshly rolled tobacco and light graphite scents. It is not lavish, but tightly controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, though not as fine as recent vintages under Philippe Dhalluin. There is satisfying density and gentle grip toward the finish, which feels fresh and contains enough energy to suggest that it is only just reaching its plateau. Tasted from an ex-château jeroboam at the Palace of Versailles charity dinner. Neal Martin.
MB [[*****]] (3/2001): As with the other first growth Medocs, one has to book a precise date and time to taste. I usually fall in with Steven Spurrier, so in September 1998, we were allowed to taste their Medoc 'stable', d'Armailhac, Clerc-Milon and the grand vin of the two vintages, '96 and '97. We discussed the wines with Herve Berland who told us that the cepages mix of the '96 grand vin was Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Merlot 13%, Cabernet Franc 10%. It had an extraordinary nose, toasted mocha; sweet, full, rich, lovely Cabernet flavour and end taste. Indeed I gave it my top mark at the MW tasting in November 2000. Rich extract; a ripe, wonderfully fragrant, 'manifold' nose. Lovely. The following spring, 'mocha' noted again; sweet, chunky, a touch of tannic bitterness. But a fine wine. Drink 2012-2030. |
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| Ch. Palmer |
1996 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,974.98 |
1 |
|
| |
NM 92 (3/2008): Compared to the ’95 Palmer, this is more reticent on the nose with more secondary aromas: fresh tobacco, sandalwood, leather and a slight clayey scent that turns overtly chocolaty with 20-30 minutes in glass. Good definition though and the palate does not disappoint. Medium-bodied, perhaps slightly aggressive tannins, particularly compared to the ’95, a little angular towards the finish with cedar, strawberry and stoned fruits (dates and a touch of fresh fig) right on the end. Again, it needs more time and the ’95 seems to have more breeding, but this remains a worthy Palmer that just needs to loosen up and enjoy itself a bit. Drink 2010-2025.
WA 91 (4/1999): This wine, a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, is performing well after its July, 1998 bottling. It boasts an impressively saturated purple color, in addition to a backward yet intense nose of black plums, currants, licorice, and smoke. Following terrific fruit on the attack, the wine's structure and tannin take over. There is plenty of sweet fruit, and the tannin is well-integrated, but the wine requires 7-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2028.
WS 90 (12/2007): Gorgeous aromas of currant and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. A little more bottle age will open it even more. Very pretty.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.
VM 89+ (6/1999): Full ruby-red. Lower-toned aromas of boysenberry, mulberry, plum, tobacco, star anise and roasted oak. Vinous and rather tough in the mouth, with strong acid spine. This was harder to view than most '96s on my recent tour. Finishes with rather tough tannins. In an awkward stage following the bottling last July. |
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| Ch. Talbot |
1996 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,892.98 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 91 (7/2007): Lots of blackberry, licorice and light tar aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. This needs time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.
WA 89 (4/1999): tasted this wine three times in January, rating it 88, 89, and 90 with similar tasting notes. The wine is close to being Outstanding, exhibiting a saturated dark ruby color, and excellent aromatics, consisting of black fruits intermixed with licorice, dried herbs, and roasted meat smells. It is full, with impressive extract, a fleshy texture, low acidity, excellent purity, and a long, deep, chewy finish. This 1996 will be drinkable at a young age, yet keep for 15-20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2017.
NM 84 (9/2006): Tasted several times, last blind at Farr's horizontal in Sept '06. A deep blackberry, mocha and chestnut nose. Medium to full-bodied. Well-knit tannins and very focused. Good acidity. Fresh. Not incredibly complex. Smokey, a little coarse on the finish. Fine. |
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