1996 was a great overlooked Bordeaux vintage, and Pichon Longueville's 1996 has plenty of power, offering up a glimpse of the very long future ahead of it, even in half-bottle.
As in 2000, the year yielded a classically styled Bordeaux with loads of requisite fruit but enough formidable tannins to carry these wines for many decades. Out of half-bottle, this wine is just starting to drink beautifully though an hour-long decant is strongly advised.
Judging by the tour-de-force display last night when we cracked a bottle, even in half-bottle format this wine has quarter-century potential.
Parker's early tasting notes on the 96 call the wine "a profound success" and more than hint at this unfolding glory: "This is one of the more structured and tannic Pichon Lalandes I have ever tasted, yet the wine's triumph is a result of its sweetness of tannin." Part of this comes from the 1996's abnormally high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and low percentage of Merlot (5% whereas, normally, Pichon contains about 30-40% Merlot).
Parker notes the wine's "huge extract as well as extraordinary elegance, and a perfect marriage between new oak, fruit, and tannin." Put this formula from what's quite possibly the top second-growth Bordeaux into a half-bottle format maturing into its 15th year, and it makes the 96 all the more compelling.
Given the fact we have the final cases available in the U.S., we expect our limited quantity to move very quickly. Interested buyers are advised to reply to this email quickly or call the store at (212) 980-9463 to order.
Ian McFadden
Director Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits
1996 Chateau Pichon Lalande 375ml
Special Bottle Price: $99.95
No compare-at pricing available on half bottles
Lalande is in stock!
NET | No further discounts