Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, France 1996 Mendocino plums and dark chocolate through

plums and dark chocolate through to a deeply classy finish

The nose has just enough funk dancing playfully around the dark berry tones to feel unique without being polarizing

30% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot has close to 15% natural alcohol

you’ll discover aromas of rose petals

Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, France 1996 Mendocino plums and dark chocolate throughThis is compelling, with a bright, forward currant fruit that is opening well now to show the nuance of game, earth, and gunflint to the ripe, dark fruit. The texture is tannic and fresh, with tannins starting to loosen but still in evidence. A luminous, radiant wine that will doubtless improve for another half century. 99 Pts Decanter