1996 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumees 1er Cru
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Tasting notes
Colin's Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumees has minerals, stones, and steel on its nose and an explosive, rich, broad and ample mouth revealing some Earl Grey tea and pear flavors. It appeared a bit warm and alcoholic when I tasted it, but this trait will most probably be resolved by the time it reaches our shores. Drink it between now and 2002. 1996 was a spectacular year for Colin's wines. The bright, bracing, focus-providing acidity that characterizes the vintage married magnificently well with his trademark plump, ripe, rich, and concentrated wine style. Importers: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 524-1524; Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines Company, New York, NY; tel (212) 572-7725; Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York, NY; (212) 757-8185.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
Lime, white flowers and oak char on the nose; has a complex mealy/smoky note I did not find in Colin's '97s. Leanish but quite penetrating, with bracing lemon, lime and mint flavors. There's plenty of extract here, but the wine is very unevolved today. Very good length.