1 dozen bottles per lot
Details
1996
Nineteen ninety-six had only a slightly lower crop size the ninety-five, with significantly higher opening prices that reflected early speculation on both vintages. However, the weakening dollar coupled with the limited and expensive 2003 vintage currently make this pair from the mid 90s an attractive investment opportunity. An exceptionally hot June partially inhibited fruit set particularly in the Pomerol; but a cool, rainy July and August caused concern that the vintage may well prove disastrous. Redemption occurred in the form of a remarkably sunny and windy first three weeks of September. This weather pattern quickly concentrated sugars, while the earlier cool weather allowed the grapes to retain their acidity. Heavy rains on 24 and 25 September caused some dilution problems for the early ripening varietals planted on the right bank, but the more conscientious producer favoring Cabernet Franc dodged this curve ball, producing tannic, reserved wine compared to the 95s. Higher acidity with perhaps more aromatic flare rendered the 1996 as the best northern Medoc cabernet vintage in ten years, a kindred spirit with the 86 vintage; though not as massive and perhaps better balanced. Chbteau Margaux is generally held as the wine of the vintage, but another possible scenario is Latour and Lafite dueling over the comings decades for the most decadent bouquet of cedar Pauillac spice. On the right bank, it was break through year for La Mondotte as well as the best Vieux Chateau Certan in ages. JC
Château Latour--Vintage 1996
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Lot 191 in original wooden case
1 dozen bottles per lot
Nineteen ninety-six had only a slightly lower crop size the ninety-five, with significantly higher opening prices that reflected early speculation on both vintages. However, the weakening dollar coupled with the limited and expensive 2003 vintage currently make this pair from the mid 90s an attractive investment opportunity. An exceptionally hot June partially inhibited fruit set particularly in the Pomerol; but a cool, rainy July and August caused concern that the vintage may well prove disastrous. Redemption occurred in the form of a remarkably sunny and windy first three weeks of September. This weather pattern quickly concentrated sugars, while the earlier cool weather allowed the grapes to retain their acidity. Heavy rains on 24 and 25 September caused some dilution problems for the early ripening varietals planted on the right bank, but the more conscientious producer favoring Cabernet Franc dodged this curve ball, producing tannic, reserved wine compared to the 95s. Higher acidity with perhaps more aromatic flare rendered the 1996 as the best northern Medoc cabernet vintage in ten years, a kindred spirit with the 86 vintage; though not as massive and perhaps better balanced. Chbteau Margaux is generally held as the wine of the vintage, but another possible scenario is Latour and Lafite dueling over the comings decades for the most decadent bouquet of cedar Pauillac spice. On the right bank, it was break through year for La Mondotte as well as the best Vieux Chateau Certan in ages. JC
Château Latour--Vintage 1996
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Lot 191 in original wooden case
1 dozen bottles per lot