The 1996 displays an opaque purple color, as well as sweet, wonderfully pure, jammy blackberry, mineral, and intriguing floral aromas. Enormously rich and full-bodied, with massive intensity, this is a modern day tour de force in winemaking. In spite of being aged in a hefty percentage of new oak, the wine does not reveal any evidence of new oak casks because the fruit character is so pronounced. Statistically, this wine possesses huge amounts of tannin, but it comes across as a seamless giant with extraordinary richness and intensity. This may be even greater than the exceptional 1982, but it may take longer to become accessible than the latter wine. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035.
Stephen Tanzer: NA
Robert Parker: 93
Wine Spectator: NA
Staff: NA
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