Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 91
Tasted at Farr Vintners’ vertical from ex-chateau magnum. Noticeably deep in colour, the 1996 has quite a generous, slightly muffled bouquet when compared to say, the 1998. Macerated red cherries, raspberry, cedar and a touch of cough mixture. The palate is medium-bodied, building nicely in the mouth with the Cabernet Franc defining the finish. Quite masculine, perhaps reserved to what I was expecting, but nicely composed. It still lacks something in the middle and I find the 1995 far better. Tasted October 2011.
Vinous 90-92
Saturated ruby-red. Expressive, floral aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, toffee, licorice and chocolate; suggests an almost roasted ripeness. Chocolatey and very dense in the mouth; rather tightly wrapped today but still much broader than the ’97. Finishes very long, with substantial tongue-coating tannins. Powerful and impressive for the vintage.
JancisRobinson.com 17.0
Magnum. 45% Cabernet Franc, 55% Merlot. Healthy glow of ruby. A hint of herbaceousness on the nose. Very round and fruity on the mid palate. Just a bit angular – but it has the stuffing to continue to develop. Rather leathery finish, like the 2001. Lots of luscious fruit on the front palate. Neat and satisfying.
Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016
