Vintage - France - 1996, Franc...

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  1. Climens 1996
    Climens 1996
    The 1996 Climens is attractive on the nose with vibrant scents of barley sugar, saffron, mandarin and melted wax. Fine delineation, it meliorates in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, poised and a little more citrus than expected, tangerine and honey mixed with ginger towards the finish that fans out with confidence. Excellent. NEAL MARTIN, vinous
    1996
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    356
  2. Pichon Lalande 1996
    Pichon Lalande 1996
    Tasted three times, each time utterly spectacular, 1996 may be Pichon-Lalande's greatest effort since their legendary 1982. Keep in mind, the 1989 is a fabulous wine at this estate, and Pichon-Lalande also produced a thrilling 1994, as well as a prodigious 1995! What is interesting about the 1996 is that the blend used for the grand vin (only 55% of the crop was utilized) is unprecedented as there has never been such a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon included. The final blend was 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. The wine reveals a spectacular thick, black/purple color, an unctuous texture, rather remarkable in view of how much Cabernet Sauvignon is in the blend. The Cabernet was extraordinarily ripe, with unequaled levels of sugar. The nose soars from the glass, offering up spicy vanillin, and lavish quantities of jammy blackcurrant fruit, licorice, and Asian spices. Unctuously-textured, with layers of fruit, this is one of the most spectacular young wines I have tasted. It is a must buy for both Bordeaux wine lovers and Pichon-Lalande aficionados. (97) ROBERT PARKER
    1996
    Cabernet Blends
    France
    356
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