What to Buy
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What to Buy
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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5 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€565.79 |
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Wine Advocate (93)The 100% Tempranillo 1996 Cuvee Campanario represents a blend of the finest parcels of Tempranillo. The wine was aged in 100% new French Limousin oak for 16 months, then bottled without filtration. It reveals a saturated purple color, and is more backward both aromatically and on the palate, as well as more impressive. The wine's bouquet falls in the black fruit spectrum of aromas - blackberries, black raspberries, and overripe cherries. Full-bodied and tightly-knit, with intriguing mineral notes, this powerful, rich, layered wine could easily pass for a top-class Bordeaux in a blind tasting. The result of 28 days of maceration, the high tannin is sweet and well-integrated in the wine's framework. However, I would not recommend drinking this offering for 2-3 more years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020. Congratulations are in order for this impressive new winery that is already turning out wines of exceptional quality. |
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2 | 93-96 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€966.47 |
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Wine Advocate (93-96)The 1996 Pago Negralada was to be bottled approximately a month after I tasted it. Made from a single Tempranillo vineyard, planted more than 2100 feet above sea level, the alluvial and clay soil mixture gives the wine a distinctive character. This is unquestionably a spectacular effort, displaying a saturated purple color, and a knock-out blackberry, chocolate, licorice, and earthy-scented nose. Exquisitely balanced, this full-bodied wine is crammed with fruit, yet it does not come across as heavy or overbearing. This wine has benefited from having its malolactic take place in barrel (which tends to integrate the wood into the wine earlier, and, some say, more effectively than when it is done in tank). The layers of fruit are ripe, the wine's purity impeccable, and the overall balance impressive. This stunningly rich, potentially brilliant wine will admirably showcase the heights that Tempranillo can achieve. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018. Congratulations are in order for this impressive new winery that is already turning out wines of exceptional quality. |
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Castilla y Leon | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,191.18 |
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Vinous (94)Bright, dark ruby. Sappy, pungent, superripe aromas of cassis, black cherry, clove, mace and mint. Supersweet and extraordinarily concentrated; expands to take over the mouth. Thick but lively chocolatey fruit is huge but not at all heavy. The utterly suave and ripe tannins spread out to coat the entire palate. Superb persistence of flavor. An extraordinary pure cabernet from Spain. Incidentally, the '97 fruit from these vines was blended into the Cuvee El Palomar from that vintage. |
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Tuscany | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,024.62 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€4,299.73 |
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Vinous (97)A Burgundy of tension and bracing energy, the 1996 Rousseau Chambertin is simply magnificent on this night. Time in the glass brings out the wine's stunning inner sweetness and perfume in what is an utterly glorious expression of Pinot Noir and Chambertin. I imagine the 1996 will still be compelling in 30 years' time. Today is transcendental and deeply beautiful. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€3,471.73 |
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Vinous (97)Now at 23-years of age, the 1996 Chambertin Grand Cru shows a little bricking on the rim, appropriate with its age. The nose is as fragrant as I remember: wilted iris petals gently waft from the glass, cool and reserved. Indeed, I found this bottle initially aloof and standoffish, like many Côte de Nuits this vintage, before developing more fruit intensity, mainly black rather than red laced with loam and Earl Grey. The palate is just beautifully balanced. It is a stout and swarthy Chambertin so much so that you risk overlooking what for a 1996 is its filigree tannin structure. The fruit profile becomes redder towards the finish with a kiss of sour cherry and orange rind that all feel so precise and sophisticated. This multi-faceted and cerebral Chambertin is reaching its lofty plateau. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€3,033.73 |
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Vinous (95)The 1996 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru, at 25 years old, offers dark cherries and bay leaf, traits I have noticed before, but here I found a touch of Earl Grey and, with aeration, a heightened marine/oyster shell scent. The palate is beautifully balanced and still exudes wonderful, life-affirming transparency. A little rugged on the finish, like most of Rousseau’s 1996s, but fresh as a daisy and so sapid. What more could I want from this Rousseau, except a market price that does not oblige secretly selling my daughter’s entire collection of ultra-rare Pokémon cards on eBay? Tasted at a private dinner in Mayfair. |
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Piedmont | 2 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€765.73 |
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Vinous (97)Tasted from magnum, the 1996 Barolo is absolutely stunning. Vibrant and wonderfully alive, the 1996 exudes class. Time has gently softened the 1996 tannins, rendering the 1996 super-expressive today. Balsamic, mentholated notes, along with scents of tobacco and dried stone fruit continue to open up with time in the glass. The 1996 is still firm and quite powerful, but not as austere as many wines are in this vintage. Tar, licorice and scorched earth add the closing shades of nuance in an impeccably balanced, vivid Barolo that captures the personality of the vintage at its best. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,452.01 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,966.98 |
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Vinous (92-95)Deep, saturated ruby. Flamboyantly perfumed aromas leap from the glass: dark fruits, venison, smoke, minerals, earth and spicy oak. Velvety and palate-caressing but manages to maintain great flavor definition; an uncanny amalgam of power and cut. Intensely fruity and fresh, with better acidity and length than the Charmes. Finishes with completely ripe tannins and great persistence. |
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Burgundy | 6 | 92-95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,222.49 |
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Vinous (92-95)Deep, saturated ruby. Flamboyantly perfumed aromas leap from the glass: dark fruits, venison, smoke, minerals, earth and spicy oak. Velvety and palate-caressing but manages to maintain great flavor definition; an uncanny amalgam of power and cut. Intensely fruity and fresh, with better acidity and length than the Charmes. Finishes with completely ripe tannins and great persistence. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93-95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€3,214.51 |
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Wine Advocate (93-95)This magnificent wine offers a medium-to-dark ruby color and an extraordinary nose of perfume, violets, and a myriad of red fruits. I was blown away by this wine's combination of precision, femininity, focus, and jammy, candied cherries. Traces of sweet, vanilla-infused oak grace this wine's complex and concentrated, yet lace-like flavor profile. Medium-to-full-bodied and silky-textured, this wine also possesses a long, soft, gorgeous finish that leaves the taster yearning for more. Finally, a La Romanee worthy of its name! Bravo! to Henriot, Hervet, and Prost for bringing Bouchard to such a high level of quality. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€9,698.93 |
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Vinous (96)Burlotto's 1996 Barolo Monvigliero presents a decidedly dark profile of fruit because of the cold growing season. At twenty years of age, the 1996 remains young, powerful and full of life. Time in bottle has helped the elements meld together nicely. Even so, the 1996 remains virile and imposing in style. With a little bit of air, the 1996 can be enjoyed now, but it has plenty of life ahead. Hints of orange peel, tobacco and spice add to the deeply expressive, exotic finish. Readers who own it should be thrilled. In 1996, the Monvigliero is an exotic, beguiling Barolo that emphasizes power over finesse. Part of that is the personality of the year, but the wines have also improved markedly over the last two decades. |
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Tuscany | 4 | - |
Inc. TAX
€675.83 |
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Discover the taste of Italy with the incomparable Cabreo Borgo 1996. This coveted wine was crafted in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region on the esteemed Cabreo estate. Subsidiary of the globally renowned Folonari company, this estate assures fine quality wines with stringent standards and traditional wine-making techniques. Cabreo Borgo 1996 is a seamless blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, representing both tradition and innovation. The wine is made with utmost precision, with 18 months in French oak barrels to mature its character and complexity. The finished product boasts an exceptionally rich bouquet with notes of raspberry, blackberry and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it promises a full body, exquisite balance and an enduring finish. Derive pleasure from the intoxicating aroma and rich flavours of the Cabreo Borgo 1996, a testament to the exceptional wine-making heritage of Italy. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 92 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€901.81 |
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Wine Spectator (92)This big and concentrated Merlot is more like a raisiny dry Port. Enticing aromas of mushroom, a hint of oak and ripe, almost dried fruit. Full-bodied, with tough, chewy tannins and a long, fruity finish. A bit rustic but outstanding. Best after 2003. 900 cases made. -JS |
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Rhone | 1 | 91 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€257.65 |
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Wine Advocate (91)I was less impressed with the 1996 Cote Rotie La Mordoree from bottle than I was from cask. Michel Chapoutier still believes it is one of the finest examples he has produced, but agrees that the high acidity has left everything in the wine compressed. It is certainly an outstanding offering, but it will require 5-7 years of patience. Made from microscopic yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare, it exhibits a saturated purple color, and a reticent but promising nose of toasty new oak, cassis, black olives, and smoked game. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied and dense, but the high acidity and compressed, tightly-knit style make it difficult to penetrate. The finish is long, but the wine is backward and unyielding. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900 |
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Rhone | 1 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€658.08 |
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Wine Advocate (99)It is no secret that I adore Chapoutier's luxury cuvee of white Hermitage called Cuvee L'Oree. Made from 90-year old vines and microscopic yields of 10-12 hectoliters per hectare, this wine flirts with perfection. It is a compelling white Hermitage. Made from 100% Marsanne, it is as rich and multidimensional as the fullest, most massive Montrachet money can buy. It is unctuously textured, yet extraordinarily and beautifully balanced. I suspect it will drink well early in life, and then shut down for a few years. It should last for 4-5 decades. The 1996 possesses some of the most amazing glycerin levels I have ever seen in a dry white wine. In short, this wine must be tasted to be believed. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900 |
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Rhone | 1 | 90-91 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€490.44 |
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Vinous (90-91)Dark ruby-red. Kirsch, cassis, violet, smoke and spices on the sappy nose. Very bound-up in the mouth today, with strong acidity dominating. I don't currently get the sheer richness of Hermitage, but this is precise, very firmly structured and very young. Finishes with firm tannins and a note of vanillin oak. Should age slowly and well. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95.0 |
Inc. TAX
€2,594.77 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€601.81 |
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Wine Advocate (89)On one of the three occasions I tasted the 1996 Clos Fourtet from bottle I rated it outstanding (90 points). The color is a saturated dark ruby. The nose offers up sweet black raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with toasty oak and floral scents. It is fleshy, surprisingly expansive and forward for a 1996, with low acidity, and a long, multilayered, fruit-driven finish. The tannin is ripe, and thus the fruit comes forward and the wine is seductive and charming. This wine possesses the weight, richness, and extract to last for 15-20 years, but it should be drinkable early. I would not be surprised for readers to feel my score is too conservative based on how well this wine is showing. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018. |
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Loire | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,071.24 |
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Introducing the extraordinary Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg 1996, a masterpiece of winemaking from the estimable Foucault brothers. This sought-after red encapsulates the essence of Saumur-Champigny, hailing directly from the prime parcel 'Le Bourg' in the Loire Valley. The Foucaults, recognised as leading biodynamic pioneers, carefully nurtured Cabernet Franc grapes, aged in oak to reach a zenith in the 1996 vintage. Each bottle is a testament to meticulous traditional winemaking techniques, steeped in clandestine artistry. On the nose, there is an arresting symphony of ripe red fruit mingled with an underbelly of earthen undertones. The palate offers a harmonious balance, with complexity matched by elegance and a remarkably persistent finish. This French classic optimises the Foucault philosophy: 'We do not make wine, we welcome it.' Secure your bottle of Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg 1996, a limited-edition offering from an iconic winery, and savour a slice of Loire Valley history. |
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Loire | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,412.96 |
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Reminiscent of the grandeur of the Loire Valley, the superlative Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 1996 emerges as an exemplar of Cabernet Franc perfection. Crafted meticulously by the Focault brothers, striking heirs to eight generations of Loire viticulture, this vintage manifests the family's devotion to biodynamic innocence with profound depth and structure. Blossoming in calcareous clay and Turonian limestone slopes of Champigny, the grapes unfold their nuance, displaying a rich spectrum of flavours―breathtaking raspberries, prunes, graphite, and subtle hints of truffle. Maturation in new-barrel oak over an unhurried two years bestows upon Les Poyeux an elegant complexity underpinned by an arresting mineral line. It's a tableau of harmonious contrasts, presented by a meticulously balanced tannin-acid structure. The distinguished Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 1996, recognised for its longevity, matures gracefully, reserving its full reveal for the patient aficionado. Thus ensuring every illustrious sip offers a timeless journey into its magisterial cradle. |
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Loire | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,436.96 |
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Reminiscent of the grandeur of the Loire Valley, the superlative Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 1996 emerges as an exemplar of Cabernet Franc perfection. Crafted meticulously by the Focault brothers, striking heirs to eight generations of Loire viticulture, this vintage manifests the family's devotion to biodynamic innocence with profound depth and structure. Blossoming in calcareous clay and Turonian limestone slopes of Champigny, the grapes unfold their nuance, displaying a rich spectrum of flavours―breathtaking raspberries, prunes, graphite, and subtle hints of truffle. Maturation in new-barrel oak over an unhurried two years bestows upon Les Poyeux an elegant complexity underpinned by an arresting mineral line. It's a tableau of harmonious contrasts, presented by a meticulously balanced tannin-acid structure. The distinguished Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 1996, recognised for its longevity, matures gracefully, reserving its full reveal for the patient aficionado. Thus ensuring every illustrious sip offers a timeless journey into its magisterial cradle. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€7,210.52 |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€4,930.48 |
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Recognised as a masterpiece in viticulture, the d'Auvenay Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 1996 is a grand testament to the rich wine region of Burgundy, France. Birthed from limestone-rich soil and nourished by an ideal climate, this wine offers a sublime complexity only achieved through careful nurturing. Hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes are fermented using indigenous yeasts, capturing the signature mineral and floral aesthetics unique to Les Folatieres vineyard. The guiding hand behind this finish is none other than Lalou Bize-Leroy, co-owner of Domaine Leroy. Her strict vitality-driven approach in wine making, coupled with organic and biodynamic farming principles, enhances the pure expression of terroir in this 1996 vintage. This wine has aged gracefully, delivering a sensual bouquet of green apple, pear, almond and a whisper of vanilla. On the palate, it stands out for its refined acidity, seamless texture and long, persistent finish, making it a perfect example of the excellence of d'Auvenay Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 1996. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€580.72 |
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Wine Spectator (90)Plenty of blackberry, currant and cherry character. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity aftertaste. A mellow and well-defined '96. One of the best Issans in ages. Best after 2000. 10,000 cases made. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€1,774.38 |
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Wine Spectator (96)This leans toward the tropical side, with mango and guava notes out front, while maple, date, blood orange and citrus oil flavors fill in behind. The finish kicks into another gear, taking off with honeysuckle, orange blossom and frangipane accents. Has almost unbridled power today, while maintaining serious cut. A very impressive showing in a rather overlooked vintage. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€1,908.68 |
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Wine Spectator (96)This leans toward the tropical side, with mango and guava notes out front, while maple, date, blood orange and citrus oil flavors fill in behind. The finish kicks into another gear, taking off with honeysuckle, orange blossom and frangipane accents. Has almost unbridled power today, while maintaining serious cut. A very impressive showing in a rather overlooked vintage. |
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€622.93 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne. It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. Production is confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of cases of Dom Perignon since it available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants. |
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Champagne | 4 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€3,070.38 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne. It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. Production is confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of cases of Dom Perignon since it available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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5 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
€453.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)The 100% Tempranillo 1996 Cuvee Campanario represents a blend of the finest parcels of Tempranillo. The wine was aged in 100% new French Limousin oak for 16 months, then bottled without filtration. It reveals a saturated purple color, and is more backward both aromatically and on the palate, as well as more impressive. The wine's bouquet falls in the black fruit spectrum of aromas - blackberries, black raspberries, and overripe cherries. Full-bodied and tightly-knit, with intriguing mineral notes, this powerful, rich, layered wine could easily pass for a top-class Bordeaux in a blind tasting. The result of 28 days of maceration, the high tannin is sweet and well-integrated in the wine's framework. However, I would not recommend drinking this offering for 2-3 more years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020. Congratulations are in order for this impressive new winery that is already turning out wines of exceptional quality. |
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2 | 93-96 (WA) |
In Bond
€783.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93-96)The 1996 Pago Negralada was to be bottled approximately a month after I tasted it. Made from a single Tempranillo vineyard, planted more than 2100 feet above sea level, the alluvial and clay soil mixture gives the wine a distinctive character. This is unquestionably a spectacular effort, displaying a saturated purple color, and a knock-out blackberry, chocolate, licorice, and earthy-scented nose. Exquisitely balanced, this full-bodied wine is crammed with fruit, yet it does not come across as heavy or overbearing. This wine has benefited from having its malolactic take place in barrel (which tends to integrate the wood into the wine earlier, and, some say, more effectively than when it is done in tank). The layers of fruit are ripe, the wine's purity impeccable, and the overall balance impressive. This stunningly rich, potentially brilliant wine will admirably showcase the heights that Tempranillo can achieve. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018. Congratulations are in order for this impressive new winery that is already turning out wines of exceptional quality. |
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Castilla y Leon | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
€974.00 |
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Vinous (94)Bright, dark ruby. Sappy, pungent, superripe aromas of cassis, black cherry, clove, mace and mint. Supersweet and extraordinarily concentrated; expands to take over the mouth. Thick but lively chocolatey fruit is huge but not at all heavy. The utterly suave and ripe tannins spread out to coat the entire palate. Superb persistence of flavor. An extraordinary pure cabernet from Spain. Incidentally, the '97 fruit from these vines was blended into the Cuvee El Palomar from that vintage. |
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Tuscany | 1 | - |
In Bond
€809.00 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
€3,580.00 |
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Vinous (97)A Burgundy of tension and bracing energy, the 1996 Rousseau Chambertin is simply magnificent on this night. Time in the glass brings out the wine's stunning inner sweetness and perfume in what is an utterly glorious expression of Pinot Noir and Chambertin. I imagine the 1996 will still be compelling in 30 years' time. Today is transcendental and deeply beautiful. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
€2,890.00 |
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Vinous (97)Now at 23-years of age, the 1996 Chambertin Grand Cru shows a little bricking on the rim, appropriate with its age. The nose is as fragrant as I remember: wilted iris petals gently waft from the glass, cool and reserved. Indeed, I found this bottle initially aloof and standoffish, like many Côte de Nuits this vintage, before developing more fruit intensity, mainly black rather than red laced with loam and Earl Grey. The palate is just beautifully balanced. It is a stout and swarthy Chambertin so much so that you risk overlooking what for a 1996 is its filigree tannin structure. The fruit profile becomes redder towards the finish with a kiss of sour cherry and orange rind that all feel so precise and sophisticated. This multi-faceted and cerebral Chambertin is reaching its lofty plateau. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
€2,525.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 1996 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru, at 25 years old, offers dark cherries and bay leaf, traits I have noticed before, but here I found a touch of Earl Grey and, with aeration, a heightened marine/oyster shell scent. The palate is beautifully balanced and still exudes wonderful, life-affirming transparency. A little rugged on the finish, like most of Rousseau’s 1996s, but fresh as a daisy and so sapid. What more could I want from this Rousseau, except a market price that does not oblige secretly selling my daughter’s entire collection of ultra-rare Pokémon cards on eBay? Tasted at a private dinner in Mayfair. |
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Piedmont | 2 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
€635.00 |
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Vinous (97)Tasted from magnum, the 1996 Barolo is absolutely stunning. Vibrant and wonderfully alive, the 1996 exudes class. Time has gently softened the 1996 tannins, rendering the 1996 super-expressive today. Balsamic, mentholated notes, along with scents of tobacco and dried stone fruit continue to open up with time in the glass. The 1996 is still firm and quite powerful, but not as austere as many wines are in this vintage. Tar, licorice and scorched earth add the closing shades of nuance in an impeccably balanced, vivid Barolo that captures the personality of the vintage at its best. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,165.00 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-95 (VN) |
In Bond
€2,465.00 |
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Vinous (92-95)Deep, saturated ruby. Flamboyantly perfumed aromas leap from the glass: dark fruits, venison, smoke, minerals, earth and spicy oak. Velvety and palate-caressing but manages to maintain great flavor definition; an uncanny amalgam of power and cut. Intensely fruity and fresh, with better acidity and length than the Charmes. Finishes with completely ripe tannins and great persistence. |
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Burgundy | 6 | 92-95 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,015.00 |
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Vinous (92-95)Deep, saturated ruby. Flamboyantly perfumed aromas leap from the glass: dark fruits, venison, smoke, minerals, earth and spicy oak. Velvety and palate-caressing but manages to maintain great flavor definition; an uncanny amalgam of power and cut. Intensely fruity and fresh, with better acidity and length than the Charmes. Finishes with completely ripe tannins and great persistence. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93-95 (WA) |
In Bond
€2,675.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93-95)This magnificent wine offers a medium-to-dark ruby color and an extraordinary nose of perfume, violets, and a myriad of red fruits. I was blown away by this wine's combination of precision, femininity, focus, and jammy, candied cherries. Traces of sweet, vanilla-infused oak grace this wine's complex and concentrated, yet lace-like flavor profile. Medium-to-full-bodied and silky-textured, this wine also possesses a long, soft, gorgeous finish that leaves the taster yearning for more. Finally, a La Romanee worthy of its name! Bravo! to Henriot, Hervet, and Prost for bringing Bouchard to such a high level of quality. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
€8,070.00 |
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Vinous (96)Burlotto's 1996 Barolo Monvigliero presents a decidedly dark profile of fruit because of the cold growing season. At twenty years of age, the 1996 remains young, powerful and full of life. Time in bottle has helped the elements meld together nicely. Even so, the 1996 remains virile and imposing in style. With a little bit of air, the 1996 can be enjoyed now, but it has plenty of life ahead. Hints of orange peel, tobacco and spice add to the deeply expressive, exotic finish. Readers who own it should be thrilled. In 1996, the Monvigliero is an exotic, beguiling Barolo that emphasizes power over finesse. Part of that is the personality of the year, but the wines have also improved markedly over the last two decades. |
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Tuscany | 4 | - |
In Bond
€541.00 |
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Discover the taste of Italy with the incomparable Cabreo Borgo 1996. This coveted wine was crafted in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region on the esteemed Cabreo estate. Subsidiary of the globally renowned Folonari company, this estate assures fine quality wines with stringent standards and traditional wine-making techniques. Cabreo Borgo 1996 is a seamless blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, representing both tradition and innovation. The wine is made with utmost precision, with 18 months in French oak barrels to mature its character and complexity. The finished product boasts an exceptionally rich bouquet with notes of raspberry, blackberry and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it promises a full body, exquisite balance and an enduring finish. Derive pleasure from the intoxicating aroma and rich flavours of the Cabreo Borgo 1996, a testament to the exceptional wine-making heritage of Italy. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 92 (WS) |
In Bond
€744.00 |
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Wine Spectator (92)This big and concentrated Merlot is more like a raisiny dry Port. Enticing aromas of mushroom, a hint of oak and ripe, almost dried fruit. Full-bodied, with tough, chewy tannins and a long, fruity finish. A bit rustic but outstanding. Best after 2003. 900 cases made. -JS |
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Rhone | 1 | 91 (WA) |
In Bond
€211.00 |
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Wine Advocate (91)I was less impressed with the 1996 Cote Rotie La Mordoree from bottle than I was from cask. Michel Chapoutier still believes it is one of the finest examples he has produced, but agrees that the high acidity has left everything in the wine compressed. It is certainly an outstanding offering, but it will require 5-7 years of patience. Made from microscopic yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare, it exhibits a saturated purple color, and a reticent but promising nose of toasty new oak, cassis, black olives, and smoked game. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied and dense, but the high acidity and compressed, tightly-knit style make it difficult to penetrate. The finish is long, but the wine is backward and unyielding. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900 |
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Rhone | 1 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
€541.00 |
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Wine Advocate (99)It is no secret that I adore Chapoutier's luxury cuvee of white Hermitage called Cuvee L'Oree. Made from 90-year old vines and microscopic yields of 10-12 hectoliters per hectare, this wine flirts with perfection. It is a compelling white Hermitage. Made from 100% Marsanne, it is as rich and multidimensional as the fullest, most massive Montrachet money can buy. It is unctuously textured, yet extraordinarily and beautifully balanced. I suspect it will drink well early in life, and then shut down for a few years. It should last for 4-5 decades. The 1996 possesses some of the most amazing glycerin levels I have ever seen in a dry white wine. In short, this wine must be tasted to be believed. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900 |
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Rhone | 1 | 90-91 (VN) |
In Bond
€405.00 |
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Vinous (90-91)Dark ruby-red. Kirsch, cassis, violet, smoke and spices on the sappy nose. Very bound-up in the mouth today, with strong acidity dominating. I don't currently get the sheer richness of Hermitage, but this is precise, very firmly structured and very young. Finishes with firm tannins and a note of vanillin oak. Should age slowly and well. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95.0 |
In Bond
€2,125.00 |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (WA) |
In Bond
€494.00 |
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Wine Advocate (89)On one of the three occasions I tasted the 1996 Clos Fourtet from bottle I rated it outstanding (90 points). The color is a saturated dark ruby. The nose offers up sweet black raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with toasty oak and floral scents. It is fleshy, surprisingly expansive and forward for a 1996, with low acidity, and a long, multilayered, fruit-driven finish. The tannin is ripe, and thus the fruit comes forward and the wine is seductive and charming. This wine possesses the weight, richness, and extract to last for 15-20 years, but it should be drinkable early. I would not be surprised for readers to feel my score is too conservative based on how well this wine is showing. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018. |
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Loire | 1 | - |
In Bond
€889.00 |
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Introducing the extraordinary Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg 1996, a masterpiece of winemaking from the estimable Foucault brothers. This sought-after red encapsulates the essence of Saumur-Champigny, hailing directly from the prime parcel 'Le Bourg' in the Loire Valley. The Foucaults, recognised as leading biodynamic pioneers, carefully nurtured Cabernet Franc grapes, aged in oak to reach a zenith in the 1996 vintage. Each bottle is a testament to meticulous traditional winemaking techniques, steeped in clandestine artistry. On the nose, there is an arresting symphony of ripe red fruit mingled with an underbelly of earthen undertones. The palate offers a harmonious balance, with complexity matched by elegance and a remarkably persistent finish. This French classic optimises the Foucault philosophy: 'We do not make wine, we welcome it.' Secure your bottle of Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg 1996, a limited-edition offering from an iconic winery, and savour a slice of Loire Valley history. |
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Loire | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,170.00 |
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Reminiscent of the grandeur of the Loire Valley, the superlative Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 1996 emerges as an exemplar of Cabernet Franc perfection. Crafted meticulously by the Focault brothers, striking heirs to eight generations of Loire viticulture, this vintage manifests the family's devotion to biodynamic innocence with profound depth and structure. Blossoming in calcareous clay and Turonian limestone slopes of Champigny, the grapes unfold their nuance, displaying a rich spectrum of flavours―breathtaking raspberries, prunes, graphite, and subtle hints of truffle. Maturation in new-barrel oak over an unhurried two years bestows upon Les Poyeux an elegant complexity underpinned by an arresting mineral line. It's a tableau of harmonious contrasts, presented by a meticulously balanced tannin-acid structure. The distinguished Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 1996, recognised for its longevity, matures gracefully, reserving its full reveal for the patient aficionado. Thus ensuring every illustrious sip offers a timeless journey into its magisterial cradle. |
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Loire | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,190.00 |
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Reminiscent of the grandeur of the Loire Valley, the superlative Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 1996 emerges as an exemplar of Cabernet Franc perfection. Crafted meticulously by the Focault brothers, striking heirs to eight generations of Loire viticulture, this vintage manifests the family's devotion to biodynamic innocence with profound depth and structure. Blossoming in calcareous clay and Turonian limestone slopes of Champigny, the grapes unfold their nuance, displaying a rich spectrum of flavours―breathtaking raspberries, prunes, graphite, and subtle hints of truffle. Maturation in new-barrel oak over an unhurried two years bestows upon Les Poyeux an elegant complexity underpinned by an arresting mineral line. It's a tableau of harmonious contrasts, presented by a meticulously balanced tannin-acid structure. The distinguished Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 1996, recognised for its longevity, matures gracefully, reserving its full reveal for the patient aficionado. Thus ensuring every illustrious sip offers a timeless journey into its magisterial cradle. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
€6,005.00 |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
€4,105.00 |
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Recognised as a masterpiece in viticulture, the d'Auvenay Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 1996 is a grand testament to the rich wine region of Burgundy, France. Birthed from limestone-rich soil and nourished by an ideal climate, this wine offers a sublime complexity only achieved through careful nurturing. Hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes are fermented using indigenous yeasts, capturing the signature mineral and floral aesthetics unique to Les Folatieres vineyard. The guiding hand behind this finish is none other than Lalou Bize-Leroy, co-owner of Domaine Leroy. Her strict vitality-driven approach in wine making, coupled with organic and biodynamic farming principles, enhances the pure expression of terroir in this 1996 vintage. This wine has aged gracefully, delivering a sensual bouquet of green apple, pear, almond and a whisper of vanilla. On the palate, it stands out for its refined acidity, seamless texture and long, persistent finish, making it a perfect example of the excellence of d'Auvenay Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 1996. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (WS) |
In Bond
€469.00 |
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Wine Spectator (90)Plenty of blackberry, currant and cherry character. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity aftertaste. A mellow and well-defined '96. One of the best Issans in ages. Best after 2000. 10,000 cases made. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WS) |
In Bond
€1,460.00 |
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Wine Spectator (96)This leans toward the tropical side, with mango and guava notes out front, while maple, date, blood orange and citrus oil flavors fill in behind. The finish kicks into another gear, taking off with honeysuckle, orange blossom and frangipane accents. Has almost unbridled power today, while maintaining serious cut. A very impressive showing in a rather overlooked vintage. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WS) |
In Bond
€1,575.00 |
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Wine Spectator (96)This leans toward the tropical side, with mango and guava notes out front, while maple, date, blood orange and citrus oil flavors fill in behind. The finish kicks into another gear, taking off with honeysuckle, orange blossom and frangipane accents. Has almost unbridled power today, while maintaining serious cut. A very impressive showing in a rather overlooked vintage. |
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
€516.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne. It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. Production is confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of cases of Dom Perignon since it available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants. |
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Champagne | 4 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
€2,540.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne. It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. Production is confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of cases of Dom Perignon since it available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants. |
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