1996
1996
Caves Sao Joao 1996 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Portuguese Red
Still structured, with red fruit and vanilla set against an integrated tannic frame. The palate is light and mature, yet sound bottles retain good colour, a composed texture and a clean finish. Bottle variation is pronounced, with some examples appearing fresher than their age and others more fragile. Stand upright, open carefully and assess before deciding whether to decant.
Nismes-Delclou Armagnac 1996
French Brandy
Copper tones introduce a mature, inviting style. The nose is charming and measured, with worn leather and vanilla set against gentle cask aromas. The palate is smooth and rounded but carries a clear line of spice, supported by harmonious tannins and well-integrated oak. Its generous texture remains balanced and free of sharp acidity, allowing the vanilla, leather and warm spice to unfold gradually. The finish is structured and persistent, with polished wood and savoury maturity lingering. Serve neat in a tulip-shaped glass.
Vaudon 1996 Cognac
French Brandy
Ripe plum and cherry lead a powerful yet elegant aroma, with sandalwood giving the fruit a calm, seasoned frame. The palate is broad and composed, moving into rose petal, orange peel and spicy wood. Floral lift keeps the mature character from feeling heavy. The finish is deep and persistent, leaving citrus oil, polished oak and a final echo of dark fruit.
Folonari 1996 Valpolicella Classico
Italian Red
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 1996 Hermitage La Chapelle
French Red
Dark berries and red fruit meet sweet herbs, smoked meat and leather in this northern Rhône Syrah. The palate has a rounded texture and concentrated flavour, balanced by bright acidity and ripe tannins. Savoury notes run through the fruit, with a smoky, meaty character that lingers on a long, finely balanced finish.
Château Cos d’Estournel 1996 Saint-Estèphe
French Red
Cassis, toasted oak and forest-floor aromas give this Saint-Estèphe a rich, savoury character. The fruit has a candied edge, balanced by graphite and tobacco notes. Silky tannins soften its substantial structure, while the Cabernet Sauvignon brings freshness and definition. The finish carries the dark fruit and earthy flavours together, with depth and a lingering mineral impression.
Moulin Touchais 1996 Coteaux du Layon
French Dessert
Orange-bronze colour shows green at the rim. The nose is broad and open, with honeycomb in a rich, concentrated profile. The palate is clean and pure, with fresh acidity balancing the sweetness. Old Cognac, toast and vanilla appear on a persistent finish. Toffee apple and minerality are also present. The vintage developed without botrytis influence.
Isole e Olena Cepparello 1996 Toscana IGT
Italian Red
Light to medium ruby with mature bricking, this shows cherry, spice and underbrush alongside subtle leather. The palate is medium-bodied and lively, with tart red fruit, clear acidity and tannins that have largely settled into the wine. Earth, dried herbs and a faint tobacco note add complexity without obscuring the fruit. Concentrated yet graceful, it finishes with persistent cherry, savoury spice and a composed mature freshness.
Jacques Prieur 1996 Musigny Grand Cru
French Red
Warm, inviting and complex on the nose, with ripe raspberry, strawberry and blackberry layered over violet, spice and earthy mineral tones. The palate is rich and concentrated yet finely balanced, with sweet fruit, fresh acidity and polished tannins. Silky texture and graceful tension carry subtle oak and savoury detail into an elegant, persistent finish.
Costers del Siurana 1996 Dolç de l’Obac 500 mL
Spanish Dessert
Dark cherry, black raspberry and raisin are layered with chocolate, marzipan and a delicate floral lift. The palate is thick, sweet and powerful, yet ripe acidity keeps the richness fresh and surprisingly poised. Cola, warm spice and a firm tannic line shape the lingering finish. Serve in small pours with dark chocolate or aged cheese.
Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Napa Valley
American Red
Silky and deeply concentrated, with black raspberry, cassis, ripe black cherry and dark plum lifted by licorice, marzipan, honeysuckle and gentle floral spice. The palate is rich but never heavy, balancing pure fruit with fresh acidity, fine tannins and seamless texture. Clean and lingering on the finish, it benefits from air and pairs beautifully with roast beef or lamb.
Château Mouton Rothschild 1996 Pauillac 3 L
French Red
Complex and still poised, with blackberry, cassis and red berry layered with anise, cedar, cigar box, coffee, dark chocolate, leather and subtle exotic spice. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate balances fresh acidity with ripe silky tannins, impressive concentration and a long, structured finish. Decant for about two hours and serve with roast beef or lamb.
Dom Pérignon 1996 Plénitude 2 Rosé Champagne
French Sparkling
Malt, nectarine and wild strawberry open into smoky, peaty depth, with dried rose, citron, saffron and a touch of vanilla spice. The palate is radiant and energetic, balancing ripe red fruit with fine bubbles and firm mineral tension. Toasted nuttiness and savoury complexity carry a long, precise, gently spicy finish.
Bruno Paillard 1996 Assemblage Champagne
French Sparkling
Ripe citrus peel, green apple and pear meet gingerbread, toasted brioche, candied fruit and a gentle nutty note. The palate is ample and softly textured, yet a firm mineral line and lively acidity preserve clarity. Fine bubbles carry citrus and orchard fruit through a long, clean finish. Serve with roast scallops, aged Comté or poultry.
All listed prices are before tax unless stated otherwise. Vintage availability may vary.