Good bright medium ruby. Slightly roasted, lower-toned aromas of cassis, chocolate, grilled nuts and botanical herbs. Like liquid velvet on entry, then firmed in the middle palate by a solid spine of acidity and an impression of strong mineral content. Still has a lot of baby fat but this also boasts buns of steel. Finishes with broad, dusty, surprisingly pliant tannins and superb length. An outstanding--and unusually outsized--wine from what Christian Seely characterized as "an LBV year."

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

From a fairly unexciting vintage that turned out well due in part to a late harvest, the ’96 is a solid soldier. I have a feeling that it will emerge later in life to show as well as the 1967 Nacional does today, from another oft forgotten vintage. It has a bouquet of floral and prune notes with a minty character that added intricacy to the profile. Soft and smooth as well-worn leather gloves, while delivering dark plum, dates and milk chocolate flavors. It was in need of aeration and really took awhile to open up, but when it did … it finished a bit short. Otherwise, I really enjoyed it. 285 cases produced. Drink now-2035.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio