1976 Wine and Port Vintage
Vintage Summary and Recommendations:
1976 Wine – 50 Year Old Anniversary Wines
Welcome to Vintage Wine & Port’s 1976 wine collection. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, this is a vintage with real charm and historical significance. Across Europe, the year was shaped by a long, hot summer, and in the best regions this produced wines with character, maturity and lasting appeal. These qualities make 1976 wines and Ports a wonderful choice for a 50th anniversary or milestone birthday gift.In key regions such as Portugal and Bordeaux, well-stored bottles from 1976 can offer beautifully developed flavours and a genuine sense of occasion. Aged Ports from this year are especially appealing, combining richness, balance and drinkability, while the best clarets provide elegant mature structure. Our selection focuses on bottles from trusted producers and well-kept cellars, helping you choose with confidence.
Scroll down to explore our full selection. If you would like personal advice, please call us on 01425 837177 or contact us — we would be delighted to help you choose the perfect bottle.
Top Recommendation: Quinta da Devesa 1976 Colheita Port
A beautifully matured single harvest tawny Port with depth, poise and excellent drinkability. Presented in its own gift box, it is a superb choice for a 50th anniversary gift.
Best Value: Rivesaltes 1976 L’Archiviste
A beautifully matured fortified wine offering exceptional value for a 50-year-old vintage. Extended ageing has developed rich notes of dried fruits, caramel and spice, making it a delicious and accessible alternative to Port for a 1976 anniversary gift.
Classic Bordeaux: Chateau Cantemerle, 1976
A mature Haut-Médoc showing the charm of traditional claret, with softened structure and the savoury complexity that comes from long bottle age.
Vintage Port Choice: Messias 1976 Colheita Port
A beautifully matured Colheita Port from a long-established Portuguese house, offering rich notes of dried fruits, caramel and spice. Fully aged in cask and ready to enjoy now, this is a classic and dependable choice.
Fine & Rare Selection: Château Léoville Barton 1976
A rare Second Growth Bordeaux from the renowned Saint-Julien appellation. In a vintage where only the best estates have stood the test of time, Léoville Barton remains one of the most dependable, offering mature cedar notes, refined structure and a true sense of classic claret at 50 years of age.
This Year in History: This Year in History: Fun Fact: The first commercial Concorde flights took off, ushering in supersonic passenger travel. 1976 was also the year of the United States Bicentennial, celebrating 200 years since the Declaration of Independence.
Eurovision Winner: United Kingdom with the song "Save Your Kisses for Me" by Brotherhood of Man
Top Grossing Movie: Rocky
France: 1976 was a warm, dry vintage in France, led by Bordeaux, where the best wines now show classic mature character with finesse and balance.
Read full France vintage report
The 1976 vintage in France was defined by an exceptionally hot and dry summer, which placed considerable stress on the vines and led to uneven results across many regions. Yields were often reduced, and in some cases the wines lacked balance. However, the best producers — particularly in Bordeaux — managed the conditions carefully, producing wines that have matured into elegant and characterful examples of the vintage.
In Bordeaux, the wines are generally lighter in structure than those from great years, with less concentration but a refined, classical style. Now at full maturity, many Left Bank clarets display tertiary characteristics such as cedar, tobacco, leather and earthy notes, alongside softened dark fruit. Tannins have largely resolved, and the best bottles offer a gentle, balanced drinking experience rather than power. As a result, provenance and storage conditions are especially important when selecting a 1976 Bordeaux today.
Sauternes was one of the more successful areas in 1976, benefiting from the warm conditions which helped to concentrate sugars in the grapes. The resulting wines can be rich and expressive, showing developed notes of honey, dried apricot, marmalade and spice. While not as universally long-lived as the greatest vintages, well-stored examples can still provide a deeply satisfying and fully mature sweet wine experience.
Elsewhere in France, the vintage was more variable. Burgundy, in particular, struggled with the heat, and many wines are now past their peak. Overall, 1976 is a vintage where careful selection is essential, but the best bottles — especially from trusted producers and well-maintained cellars — offer charm, maturity and a genuine sense of history at 50 years of age.
Italian: Italy experienced a more challenging vintage in 1976, though the best wines from top producers and favoured sites have developed into fully mature and characterful bottles.
Read full Italy vintage report
The 1976 vintage in Italy was generally inconsistent, with weather conditions varying significantly across regions. Cooler periods and uneven ripening meant that many wines lacked the structure and concentration required for long-term ageing. As a result, a large proportion of wines from this year are now past their peak, particularly those from lesser producers or less favourable vineyard sites.
However, in the hands of skilled producers — especially in regions such as Piedmont and Tuscany — careful vineyard management and selective harvesting allowed for the production of wines with sufficient balance and structure to age. These wines have now reached full maturity and offer a distinctly savoury and evolved profile.
At fifty years of age, the best Italian 1976 wines show developed characteristics of dried cherry, herbs, leather and earthy complexity, with softened tannins and gentle acidity. They are best appreciated for their nuance and tertiary character rather than fruit intensity, appealing to those who enjoy fully mature, traditional styles of wine.
Overall, 1976 in Italy is a vintage where selectivity is essential. Well-stored bottles from reputable producers can provide an interesting and rewarding drinking experience, but expectations should be for subtlety and evolution rather than power or freshness.
Portugal: Portugal experienced an extremely hot and dry vintage in 1976, producing low yields but concentrated and characterful Ports.
Read full Portugal vintage report
The 1976 vintage in Portugal followed the driest winter on record, with drought conditions continuing throughout much of the summer until late August. These challenging conditions significantly reduced yields, resulting in a very small overall production. However, the grapes that were harvested were highly concentrated, leading to wines with notable depth and intensity.
In the Douro, the Ports produced in 1976 are generally full-bodied and rich, with concentrated flavours developed from the dry growing season. While some wines can lack a degree of freshness due to the prolonged heat, the best examples retain balance and structure, offering a powerful yet mature drinking experience.
Vintage Port from 1976 is relatively rare today, but well-preserved bottles from traditional houses such as Messias can still show impressive depth and character. These wines now display fully evolved notes of dried fruits, spice, leather and nutty complexity, making them a compelling and authentic choice for those seeking a true bottle-aged Port from this vintage.
Colheita Ports from this year have also performed particularly well. Extended ageing in cask has allowed these wines to develop exceptional complexity, with notes of dried fruits, caramel, nuts and spice, making them consistently reliable and ready to enjoy.
Overall, 1976 is a vintage where careful selection is key, but both top Vintage Ports and well-aged Colheitas can offer a rewarding and memorable experience. A well-chosen Port from this year makes an excellent and meaningful choice for a 50th anniversary or birthday gift.
84 products found.
Blandys, 1976
Bual Vintage Madeira
300cl Double Magnum In Individual Box
96 Points - Wine Spectator
PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY
Blandys 1976 Bual Vintage Madeira is only available in extremely limited quantities, a perfect birthday gift for anyone born in 1976.
Tasting Notes:
Dark amber with golden reflections. The nose has a very complex and characteristic bouquet. Lush with notes of toasted wood, dried fruit, vanilla-like sweet spices, saffron, ripe fruit chutney, dried leaves, and tea. The palate is very rich, smooth, and balanced, medium sweet, with a very long finish leaving notes of chutney and resinous woods such as cedar.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve slightly chilled (14–16°C) to enhance its rich, mellow character. …
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Price: £1,280.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Blandys, 1976
New
Verdelho Vintage Madeira
18.5/20 -Grandes Escolhas
150cl Magnum Bottle in Individual Box
PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY
Crafted by the renowned Blandy family, who have been producing Madeira wine since 1811, this Verdelho showcases the balance and longevity that Madeira wines are celebrated for. Matured in seasoned American oak casks using the traditional canteiro method, this wine has developed extraordinary depth over decades.
Tasting Notes:
This exceptional 1976 vintage from Blandy’s offers a beautifully complex bouquet of dried fruits, orange peel, toasted nuts, and a touch of smoky spice. On the palate, it’s vibrant and medium-dry, with layers of caramel, citrus zest, and saline minerality, culminating in a long, elegant finish. …
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Price: £395.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Cannonau Di Sardegna, 1976
Sella & Mosca
The Cannonau (also known as Cannonao, Cannonadu or Canunau) is the most popular wine from the island of Sardinia. It's mostly produced in the centre of Sardinia, even if we can find production of this famous wine in all the island. The grapes used for this Sardinian wine is the Cannonau. (At least 90 % of this grapes has to be used to be certified as original Cannonau). Cannonau is a very "strong wine" so it should be used with elaborate red meat and some types of cheese.
Decanting: Stand the bottle upright for 2–3 days prior to opening to allow any sediment to settle. Decant slowly and carefully through a fine strainer, allowing 1–2 hours of gentle aeration before serving at 16–18°C. …
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Beychevelle, 1976
St Julien 4me cru classe
This 1976 Chateau Beychevelle wine has retained its immensely enjoyable, plummy, fat, fruity character. This seductive effort from Beychevelle continues to provide surprising pleasure.
About Château Beychevelle Chateau Beychevelle is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history that dates back to the 17th century, the estate has garnered a reputation for producing exceptional red wines. Spanning approximately 90 hectares, the vineyard benefits from gravelly soils and a favorable microclimate, ideal for nurturing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Branaire-Ducru, 1976
St Julien, 4th Growth Classification
The 1976 Château Branaire-Ducru is a fascinating example of a Bordeaux wine from a year marked by extreme weather conditions. As a Fourth Growth estate in the Saint-Julien appellation, Branaire-Ducru is known for its refined and well-balanced wines, and this vintage was shaped by an unusually hot and dry summer. The intense heat led to thick grape skins and high tannin levels, resulting in bold and structured wines across the region. However, rain during the harvest introduced some dilution in certain cases, leading to a mixed vintage overall.
Upon release, the 1976 Branaire-Ducru displayed a medium ruby hue, with aromas of ripe fruit, spicy oak, caramel, and hints of toffee. …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Cantemerle, 1976
Haut-Medoc
The 1976 Cantemerle is mature and complex nose with leather, cigar box and just a little red berries. On the palate it is surprisingly fresh but rather lean. Not much fruit, as earthy notes have taken over. On the palate it has a relatively high acidity and smooth tannins. Enjoyed best accompanying food.
About Château Cantemerle Chateau Cantemerle is an esteemed wine estate situated in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the estate is one of the oldest in the region and holds the distinction of being classified as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 14 in Stock
Chateau Clos L'Eglise, 1976
Pomerol
The 1976 Clos de l'Église is a wine from the Pomerol appellation in Bordeaux, France. Pomerol is renowned for its Merlot-driven wines that exhibit richness, depth, and finesse. The 1976 vintage, while not among the top Bordeaux vintages, offered ripe and approachable wines due to a very warm and dry growing season, leading to earlier-maturing wines with softer structures.
Wine Overview
Clos de l'Église is a respected estate in Pomerol, producing small quantities of wines that highlight the appellation’s signature elegance. The 1976 vintage is likely composed of:
Merlot (dominant): Providing lush, ripe fruit flavors and softness. …
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Price: £159.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Clos L'Eglise, 1976
Pomerol
The 1976 Clos de l'Église is a wine from the Pomerol appellation in Bordeaux, France. Pomerol is renowned for its Merlot-driven wines that exhibit richness, depth, and finesse. The 1976 vintage, while not among the top Bordeaux vintages, offered ripe and approachable wines due to a very warm and dry growing season, leading to earlier-maturing wines with softer structures.
Wine Overview
Clos de l'Église is a respected estate in Pomerol, producing small quantities of wines that highlight the appellation’s signature elegance. The 1976 vintage is likely composed of:
Merlot (dominant): Providing lush, ripe fruit flavors and softness. …
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Price: £155.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Haut Batailley, 1976
Pauillac 5th Growth Classification
1976 Château Haut-Batailley – A Mature Pauillac from a Warm Vintage
The 1976 Château Haut-Batailley comes from a vintage defined by a hot, dry summer, resulting in wines with ripe fruit, moderate acidity, and early accessibility. As a fifth-growth estate in the Pauillac appellation, Château Haut-Batailley is known for producing wines with finesse and balance, often leaning toward an elegant rather than overpowering style. The 1976 vintage initially produced wines with good structure and warmth, but over the years, they have softened and evolved into more delicate, tertiary-driven expressions of classic Bordeaux. …
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Price: £120.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Kirwan, 1976
Margaux 3me Cru Classe, Bordeaux
The 1976 Château Kirwan is a fascinating vintage from this historic Third Growth estate in Margaux. Produced during a year marked by extreme heat and drought, the wine was initially celebrated for its ripe fruit and generous character. However, with nearly 50 years of aging, its evolution has been highly dependent on storage conditions, making each bottle a unique experience.
With time, the wine has developed tertiary characteristics, offering aromas of aged wood, dried fruits, leather, and hints of green herbs. The palate is soft and smooth, with subtle remnants of red fruit, though the structure has likely mellowed significantly. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
Chateau La Lagune, 1976
Medoc Grand Cru Classe
The 1976 Château La Lagune is a well-aged Third Growth Haut-Médoc, originating from a hot and dry vintage that led to early-ripening wines. The 1976 Bordeaux vintage produced wines that were initially rich and ripe, though some lacked the acidity for long-term aging. Now, nearly 50 years later, this wine remains a fascinating example of how well Haut-Médoc wines can evolve with proper storage.
With time, the 1976 La Lagune has developed complex aromas of black currants, leather, cocoa, and mint, reflecting its maturity. The palate is described as medium-bodied, juicy, and balanced, with softened tannins and lingering flavors of red and blackberries. …
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Price: £119.00
Stock: 15 in Stock
Chateau La Lagune, 1976
Medoc Grand Cru Classe Clearance Offer - Damaged labels | Was £119 | Now £105
The 1976 Château La Lagune is a well-aged Third Growth Haut-Médoc, originating from a hot and dry vintage that led to early-ripening wines. The 1976 Bordeaux vintage produced wines that were initially rich and ripe, though some lacked the acidity for long-term aging. Now, nearly 50 years later, this wine remains a fascinating example of how well Haut-Médoc wines can evolve with proper storage.
With time, the 1976 La Lagune has developed complex aromas of black currants, leather, cocoa, and mint, reflecting its maturity. The palate is described as medium-bodied, juicy, and balanced, with softened tannins and lingering flavors of red and blackberries. …
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Price: £105.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
Chateau Lafite Rothschild, 1976
Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classe
Château Lafite Rothschild 1976
Vintage & Background
1976 was not one of the most consistent years in Bordeaux, but Lafite Rothschild delivered a standout example — many consider it one of the best Lafites of the 1970s. The growing season had its challenges, yet enough heat and ripeness were achieved to produce a wine that has aged remarkably well.
Appearance & Nose
In the glass the wine shows mature colouring: deep ruby with signs of brick at the rim, and a subtle amber/orange tinge beginning to show at the edges. On the nose expect classic mature Pauillac aromas — dried black fruits (blackcurrant, plum), cedarwood, cigar ash, graphite, hints of leather, mushroom, and tobacco. …
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Price: £695.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Latour, 1976
Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classe (Top Shoulder, glue banded label)
Very dark for its age; meat juice and tobacco on the nose, convincing complexity, a lot of tannin, almost some primary fruit, minerals, lovely balance, complex and very long, powerful. A hint of fruit sweetness in the finish.
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Price: £425.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
Chateau Latour, 1976
Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classe
Very dark for its age; meat juice and tobacco on the nose, convincing complexity, a lot of tannin, almost some primary fruit, minerals, lovely balance, complex and very long, powerful. A hint of fruit sweetness in the finish.
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Price: £445.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Leoville Barton, 1976
St Julien 2me Growth Classification
The 1976 Château Léoville Barton is a fully mature Saint-Julien that reflects the warm, dry conditions of the vintage and the estate’s traditional, Cabernet-driven style. In the glass, it shows a pale garnet-brick colour with a delicate tawny rim, signalling its long evolution.
The nose is soft, mellow, and charmingly old-school, opening with dried redcurrant, cedar, tobacco leaf, and old leather. Secondary notes of forest floor, dried herbs, and a touch of spice emerge with gentle air, offering the complex bouquet only decades of bottle age can bring.
On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied, with softened tannins and a silky, mature texture. …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 10 in Stock
Chateau Leoville Barton, 1976
St Julien 2me Growth Classification
Clearance Offer - Bin Soiled Label | Was £149 | Now £130
The 1976 Château Léoville Barton is a fully mature Saint-Julien that reflects the warm, dry conditions of the vintage and the estate’s traditional, Cabernet-driven style. In the glass, it shows a pale garnet-brick colour with a delicate tawny rim, signalling its long evolution.
The nose is soft, mellow, and charmingly old-school, opening with dried redcurrant, cedar, tobacco leaf, and old leather. Secondary notes of forest floor, dried herbs, and a touch of spice emerge with gentle air, offering the complex bouquet only decades of bottle age can bring.
On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied, with softened tannins and a silky, mature texture. …
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Price: £130.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Lynch Moussas, 1976
Pauillac 5th Growth Classification
Château Lynch-Moussas, a fifth-growth estate in Bordeaux's Pauillac appellation, has a storied history dating back to the 18th century. The 1976 vintage, characterized by a hot and dry growing season, produced wines that were initially approachable but not necessarily structured for long-term aging.
Tasting notes from well-preserved bottles of the 1976 Château Lynch-Moussas indicate that the wine has evolved over the decades. One such note describes the wine as having a medium-dark color, with an elegant nose featuring nutmeg spice, cedar, and cassis fruit. On the palate, the tannins are resolved, …
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Price: £119.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Mouton Rothschild, 1976
Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classe (High-shoulder)
Mahogany core with deep brick rim. The nose is actually better than I anticipated with some dusty black fruits, cedar a touch of game, but it certainly lacks vigour and cohesion. The palate is a little tawdry, slightly hollow with an cooked character that jars against some obvious green berries that found themselves fermenting. Linear towards the dry finish, moderate length.
Château Mouton Rothschild, nestled in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France, is among the most esteemed wine estates globally, celebrated for its rich history and exceptional red wines. Founded in the 19th century, …
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Price: £399.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chianti, 1976
Santa Lucia - Pierluigi Branca *** BIG BOTTLE OF 5,0 LITERS ***
Chianti, 1976 – Santa Lucia (Pierluigi Branca)
Imperial Format – 5.0 Litres
The 1976 vintage in Tuscany was warm and consistent, producing classically structured Chianti with firm acidity and steady ageing potential. During this period, Chianti was still defined by traditional methods — extended ageing in large oak botti and a clear emphasis on balance over overt richness. Santa Lucia, under the direction of Pierluigi Branca, reflected this restrained and regional style, crafting wines intended for gradual evolution rather than immediate display. Presented here in an impressive 5.0 litre format, this bottle represents both the historic character of 1970s Chianti and the celebratory tradition of large-format releases. …
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Price: £449.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chianti, 1976
Le Piazze - Piccini
This mature Chianti comes from Le Piazze, part of the historic Piccini estate in Tuscany, renowned for crafting age-worthy Sangiovese wines with elegance and finesse. The wine displays a deep ruby-red colour with garnet highlights, reflecting over forty-five years of careful maturation. On the nose, it reveals aromas of dried cherries, plum, gentle spice, leather, and subtle earthy notes of forest floor. The palate is smooth and balanced, with softened tannins carrying flavours of stewed red fruits, hints of orange zest, and delicate herbal nuances. The finish is long, elegant, and harmonious, showcasing the wine’s depth, finesse, and classic Tuscan Chianti character. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Dolcetto, 1976
Ovada, Cantine Tre Castelli
*** BIG BOTTLE OF 5,0 LITRES***
This mature Dolcetto hails from Cantine Tre Castelli in the Ovada region of Piedmont, an area celebrated for producing vibrant, fruit-driven Dolcetto wines with remarkable ageing potential. This exceptional 5.0-litre bottle displays a deep ruby-red colour with garnet highlights, reflecting over forty-five years of careful maturation. On the nose, it reveals aromas of dried black cherries, plum, gentle spice, and subtle earthy notes of leather and forest floor. The palate is smooth and harmonious, with softened tannins carrying flavours of stewed dark fruits, hints of cocoa, and delicate herbal nuances. …
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Price: £369.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Dolcetto, 1976
Giordano
This 1976 Dolcetto from Giordano shows a fully mature, gently evolved character, shaped by decades of bottle age. The nose is subdued yet expressive, offering dried red cherry, stewed plum, and cranberry, layered with tertiary aromas of leather, autumn leaves, walnut shell, and dried flowers. A soft oxidative note recalls almond skin and old paper.
On the palate, the wine is light-bodied and fragile, with fruit firmly in the dried spectrum. Sour cherry and prune are supported by earthy, savory tones, while the tannins are fully resolved and the acidity softened, lending a delicate, almost ethereal texture. …
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 7 in Stock
Domaine de Chevalier, 1976
Graves Pessac-Leogan
Domaine de Chevalier, located in Bordeaux's Pessac-Léognan appellation, is renowned for producing both exceptional red and white wines. The 1976 vintage, now approaching five decades of maturity, offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of this esteemed estate's offerings.
Tasting Notes
Red Wine: A tasting note from 2020 describes the 1976 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge as exhibiting a soft balance and complexity, earning a score of 91 points.
Serving Suggestions
When serving a mature wine like the 1976 Domaine de Chevalier, gentle decanting is advisable to separate any sediment and allow the wine to breathe, enhancing its complex aromas and flavors. …
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Price: £119.00
Stock: 11 in Stock
Franciacorta, 1976
Cantine Colosio
This mature Franciacorta hails from Cantine Colosio, a historic Lombard estate celebrated for producing traditional method sparkling wines with elegance and remarkable ageing potential. The wine displays a golden-amber colour with copper highlights, reflecting over forty-five years of careful maturation. On the nose, it offers aromas of dried apricot, toasted almonds, brioche, gentle honeyed notes, and subtle hints of hazelnut. The palate is smooth and refined, with fine, gentle bubbles carrying flavours of ripe stone fruits, toasted bread, and delicate nutty undertones. The finish is long, elegant, and harmonious, showcasing the wine’s depth, finesse, and classic Franciacorta character. …
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 1 in Stock