1996 CHÂTEAU LE PIN 1996

(4-1999)
The 1996 Le Pin has softened since I first tasted it. In January, it was extremely open-knit, with a dark ruby color, and evolved notes of roasted coffee, melted chocolate, exotic coconut scents, and jammy black cherry fruit. Round, soft, supple-textured, and medium-bodied, this is one of the most flamboyant yet evolved wines of the vintage. Will it firm up now that it has been bottled? There is very little production of the 1996 Le Pin since only one-third of the harvest made it into the final blend.

(4-1998)
Subtle and satisfying. Blackberry and green tobacco aromas follow through to a medium-to-full body, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Delicious.