1996 Clos Vougeot
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Tasting notes
Reserved, understated, earthy and full aromas with precise, pure and detailed aromas plus fine length all in a slightly austere wrapping. Though the description admittedly does not bring to mind the qualities of great Burgundy, the delineation, precision and inner density are such that this should mature into a very fine Clos de Vougeot though this is not for those who like lush, seductive Burgundies as this will take its sweet time coming around.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
This medium-to-dark ruby-colored wine was outstanding. Profound aromas of deeply ripe red cherries, blueberries, and blackberries steeped in hoisin sauce are followed by a medium-to-full-bodied, beautifully ripened, and silky-textured core of black fruits, beef blood, porcini mushrooms, and hints of earth. This wine's outstanding finish reveals loads of supple tannins complemented by blackberry flavors. Projected maturity: 2003-2009. Philippe Engel, the fun-loving and highly-talented director of this estate, crafted superb 1996s, but what else is new? This estate can be consistently depended upon to produce first-rate wine. When I visited Engel at the end of January he had recently bottled the Vosne-Romanee and had performed the final racking on the Vosne-Romanee Les Brulees. A Peter Vezan Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42-65-42-93).