1996 Wine and Port Vintage
Italian: 1996 was an outstanding vintage for Italian wines. In Piedmont, tricky weather all summer yielded to a period of hot and dry weather from mid-September through to mid-October. This enabled the late-ripening Nebbiolo to achieve a classic balance between fruit and structure. The best Barolos and Barbarescos are substantial on the palate and give every indication of a long life ahead, offering a superlative drinking experience if kept well. Like Piedmont, Tuscany had a cooler than average summer and this enabled a long, slow ripening of the grapes. The wines are richly aromatic, deeply coloured and abundantly fruity - making them brilliant 27 year old wine gifts for a birthday or anniversary.
Bordeaux: The 1996 vintage produced exceptional wines that broke all price records (until the 2000 vintage). The top wines reached full maturity a decade ago, but will keep for many more years.
Portugal: Although 1996 was one of the wettest years for port on record, the Douro region produced a large, abundant crop. The year was not declared as a Vintage, however a few good port wines were produced which are noted for being fruity and forward. A 1996 Vintage Port would make for an excellent 27 year old gift for a special anniversary this year.
Spain: A very good vintage for Spain, though less fine than the preceding two. The 1996 was particularly successful in Ribera del Duero, where ripe, relatively friendly wines were made.
This Year in History:
Fun Fact: The Hubble Space Telescope revealed images of Pluto’s surface for the first time.
Eurovision Winner: Ireland with the song "The Voice" by Eimar Quinn
Top Grossing Movie: Independence Day
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27 products found.
Sanford Pinot Noir, 1996
Pinot Noir, Rita Hills, Santa Barbara
A long, moderate growing season allowed for even ripening of the fruit resulting in a wine with soft, ripe tannins and wonderful balance. This impressive Pinot Noir offers wild strawberry fruit, cola, clove spice, a hint of black pepper, and just the right touch of toasty oak. Now fully mature, this wine would not benefit from further ageing.
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Price: $76.95 USD
Stock: 2 in Stock
Taylor's Port, 1996
Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port
Very typical Taylor's style on the nose, rather reserved, spicy and stylish fruit. Gentle, and a lovely silkiness to at the start. Fine fruit, very stylish composition. Appropriate grip and texture. Lots of tannin evident on a second taste. This is rather good. From a Port Styles tasting. 16.5-17+/20 (Wine Doctor 2007).
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Price: $89.78 USD
Stock: Out of Stock