1996 Le Montrachet
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Tasting notes
As it so often is, the 1996 Montrachet is a total stunner. In the last few years, the 1996 has lost some of its youthful tension and has begun to relax a little. Even so, it remains very much vibrant and finely sculpted in feel, with cool, bracing mineral notes that wrap around a core of citrus, white flower, orchard fruit and slate nuances. The 1996 is quite simply one of the truly epic DRC Montrachets. Tasted at the Los Angeles DRC Montrachet vertical.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Allen Meadows, Burghound
More reviews and scores
One of the many highlights of the evening, the 1996 Montrachet is simply magical. Dazzling in its purity and intensity, the 1996 is endowed with crystalline energy and tension, not to mention exceptional overall balance. The 1996 is a decidedly mineral-driven Montrachet, with tons of citrus, white orchard fruit and floral notes, all buffered by bristling acidity and serious extract. Still very, very young, the 1996 will drink well for another 10-15 years. This is an extraordinary wine by any measure.
I much prefer the 1996 Montrachet from DRC in this flight. Crystalline, with the purity of water from an Alpine mountain stream, the 1996 is all finesse. Lemon peel, lemon confit, white pepper, apple and bright floral notes float across the palate in this striking, tightly wound Montrachet. Drinking the 1996 Montrachet can be a quasi-religious experience. This bottle falls short of that, but not by much.
About the producer
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti or simply “DRC” is without doubt the most famous domaine in Burgundy and one of the most famous producers on earth. The Grand Cru vineyard from which it takes its name produces the world’s most expensive wine by a long margin.