90-94 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1996
Pauillac
Saint Estèphe
Saint Emilion
Margaux
Saint Estèphe
Saint Emilion
Pauillac
LES TOURELLES DE LONGUEVILLE 1996
Pauillac
CHÂTEAU CANON LA GAFFELIERE 1996
Saint Emilion
The 1996 Dom Ruinart is particularly large-scaled for this generally subtle wine, an impression that was reinforced when I tasted a large number of vintages a few months ago. This is a bold, weighty Dom Ruinart that continues to change in the glass, revealing new shades of its smoke and mineral-infused fruit with every taste. The 1996 is a particularly good vintage for Dom Ruinart, and also one of the more accessible Champagnes of that year.
Strong aromas of toast and graphite lead off in this exotic Champagne. Apricot, butterscotch and grapefruit notes follow up as this cruises to a long finish. It's refined, with a vibrant structure.