Opened and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1996 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing and loaded with currants, pencil lead, earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super grippy; slightly bitter and earthy. A lovely, classic expression of Bordeaux and drinking well in its prime. Drink now through 2046. — 6 days ago
When the weather gets colder sometimes I drink Bordeaux. Probably one of the best vintages for the Château along with ‘82, and it’s in a great spot. Classic mature Paulliac with terrific complexity, an alluring sweetness and long, balanced finish with fully resolved, silky tannins. Fully open and giving. — 21 days ago
Sour citrus fruit, persimmon, crushed stones. — 22 days ago
Great follow up to other sparkling wines - if you’re drinking this all night you don’t get the full contrast of the depth of flavor and long finish of vintage Dom. Elegant and bright. Classic Champagne. — 6 days ago
Just don’t open this yet folks. Took about 4 hours in a decanter to open up at all. Very classic dusty and graphite nose. Powerful red fruit and tannins. Good mid palate. Good acid. Very long finish. QPR not great. Needs min 10 years to calm down. — 23 days ago
Agree with others’ comments including “chewy” and “lots of tannins left” yet fruit-forward. Kind of reminded me of a Meritage. Very nice with filet. Held up well; needed a little time to open. — a month ago
With steak skewers on 11/15/24 — a month ago
Medium ruby , wider light ruby rim . Touch more closed and mineral on the nose with, red currant , grafite , cedar . Quite aloof . On the palate this is quite strict , excellent refreshing acidity and very noticeable gritty tannin , more red fruits on the palate , red currant, cherry, cranberry hints alongside the cassis and mineral backbone . Very young , mineral , quite linear and saline . This shows a lot of intensity and salinity after a while in the glass , improves with time in the glass but really needs time in the cellar. Come back in 5 - 10 years , will show well for a further 10 perhaps 20 years. Very classic and aristocratic . — 12 days ago
Bill Mowry
Iron Horse is a favorite of ours for all their sparkling wines. This Classic Brut vintage is 77% Pinot Noir and 23% Chardonnay. Pale straw color, nice bubbles, and green apple flavors. — 20 days ago