From magnum, the 1996 Grande Année pours a brilliant pale gold color with a persistent mousse. Initially, the wine showed more oxidative notes but it freshened up considerably with air (in fact, a tiny amount was leftover for the next morning and it remained brilliant, racy even!). On the nose, notes of almond, citrus, honey, chalky minerals and brioche. On the palate, wine is developing with absolutely brilliant acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and zippy. The 1996 vintage is simply amazing. Here we are, 28 years past vintage and this bright and full of life! Granted, it’s a magnum, but still. Drink now with patience or enjoy through 2046+.
From magnum, the 1996 Grande Année pours a brilliant pale gold color with a persistent mousse. Initially, the wine showed more oxidative notes but it freshened up considerably with air (in fact, a tiny amount was leftover for the next morning and it remained brilliant, racy even!). On the nose, notes of almond, citrus, honey, chalky minerals and brioche. On the palate, wine is developing with absolutely brilliant acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and zippy. The 1996 vintage is simply amazing. Here we are, 28 years past vintage and this bright and full of life! Granted, it’s a magnum, but still. Drink now with patience or enjoy through 2046+.
Mar 17th, 2024
Nice medium gold hue. Vibrant nose. Good steady small bubbles. Notes of fresh baked bread, Meyer lemon, gravel stone, apricot, warmed apple slices and some spice. Chewy structure. Lasting finish. Can’t think of better juice at the moment for a day at the beach.
Nice medium gold hue. Vibrant nose. Good steady small bubbles. Notes of fresh baked bread, Meyer lemon, gravel stone, apricot, warmed apple slices and some spice. Chewy structure. Lasting finish. Can’t think of better juice at the moment for a day at the beach.
1 person found it helpfulJun 30th, 2019Straw gold color. Looks a bit aged in the glass. Nice continuous small bubbles over an hour of consumption. Nose of apricot, bread and cut ripe apples. Secondary age tastes are apparent. But still somewhat fresh and vibrant with a medium finish. Bought at auction so don't know how this was stored early on. Has a few years ahead of it still.
Straw gold color. Looks a bit aged in the glass. Nice continuous small bubbles over an hour of consumption. Nose of apricot, bread and cut ripe apples. Secondary age tastes are apparent. But still somewhat fresh and vibrant with a medium finish. Bought at auction so don't know how this was stored early on. Has a few years ahead of it still.
Jun 30th, 2017
Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
