1996
Caves Sao Joao 1996 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
$127.99Still 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.
Vaudon 1996 Cognac
$444.99Ripe 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.
Isole e Olena Cepparello 1996 Toscana IGT 750 mL
$299.99Light 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
$2,499.99Warm, 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
$104.99Dark 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
$6,999.99Silky 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
$5,999.99Complex 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
$2,199.99Malt, 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
$499.99Ripe 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.