1996 San Leonardo
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Tasting notes
The 1996 San Leonardo takes some time to open up in the glass. Smoky bell pepper and herbal tones lead off. It slowly blossoms to gain further depth and richness through tart cherries and savory brown spice. Soft, silky textures usher in polished black fruits and minerals in a gentle, subtle expression. Nothing seems out of place here, nor does anything particularly stand out. Youthful tannins still linger, while ending on an herbaceous note with residual acids adding tension. I’m not sure if the 1996 will improve any further, but lovers of cool-climate Bordeaux blends can find a lot to like about it right now.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From a cool vintage, the 1996 San Leonardo is a wine of minute details and budding complexity. The quality of fruit shines bright and the wine boast beautifully balanced acidity that adds energy and a great sense of vertical lift or buoyancy. Small fruit nuances are embellished by more substantial layers of tobacco, cola, mint and dusty mineral. The wine evolves slowly in the glass, producing many enticing aromatic layers that peel back slowly one at a time. It is ready for immediate consumption and although it is drinking wonderfully right now, it seems near the end of its evolution.