The Story
This vintage thus had three phases, which ultimately produced a rich, dense, structured, very complex wine. Some tasters find 1996 reminiscent of the elegance of 1953, and the power of 1959, which augurs well for this vintage that will undoubtedly improve with age for a very long time!
98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 1996 Lafite-Rothschild was remarkably deep in color considering that it is now 20 years in age. The bouquet is classic Pauillac with pencil shavings and sous-bois infusing the black fruit, masculine and a little aloof, yet focused and very well delineated. The palate is very well balanced with crisp blackberry and boysenberry fruit, spicier than I recollect, a crescendo of flavors so that it seems understated at first but fans out with a sense of confidence towards the finish.
97 Points - James Suckling
The beauty and balance of this are phenomenal. Seamless tannins and fruit. Full body yet so balanced and refined. Sweet tobacco and berries. Minerals and cedar. A beautiful wine. The depth is superb.
96 Points - Wine Spectator
Gorgeous aromas of currant, berries and licorice. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, caressing finish.
Description
This vintage thus had three phases, which ultimately produced a rich, dense, structured, very complex wine. Some tasters find 1996 reminiscent of the elegance of 1953, and the power of 1959, which augurs well for this vintage that will undoubtedly improve with age for a very long time!
98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 1996 Lafite-Rothschild was remarkably deep in color considering that it is now 20 years in age. The bouquet is classic Pauillac with pencil shavings and sous-bois infusing the black fruit, masculine and a little aloof, yet focused and very well delineated. The palate is very well balanced with crisp blackberry and boysenberry fruit, spicier than I recollect, a crescendo of flavors so that it seems understated at first but fans out with a sense of confidence towards the finish.
97 Points - James Suckling
The beauty and balance of this are phenomenal. Seamless tannins and fruit. Full body yet so balanced and refined. Sweet tobacco and berries. Minerals and cedar. A beautiful wine. The depth is superb.
96 Points - Wine Spectator
Gorgeous aromas of currant, berries and licorice. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, caressing finish.
