Some vintages in Bordeaux are universal in quality, while others favour one location more than another, or one grape variety in the Bordeaux mix, more than the others. 1996 was especially good in the Médoc, with its late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon the star of the show. A relatively cool damp year, grapes reached their phenolic and sugar maturity over an extended period, with harvest extending well into October. The result in the Médoc was stylish wines, of sufficient fruit and body (without being fat), plenty of fine perfume, a cool fresh expression, with plenty of acidity. They are classic in the very best sense of the term.

Now, at 25 years of age most are now in, or approaching, their very peak. It’s a good moment to appraise and enjoy the class of ’96.

Wines to be served:
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
Château Palmer
Château Cos d'Estournel

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Château Pichon Baron
Château Léoville-Las Cases (WA98)

Château Lafite Rothschild (WA100)
Château Latour (WA99)
Château Margaux (WA100)
Château Mouton Rothschild