1996 Chateau Lafite
Posted: 18:55 Sat 12 Feb 2022
Drunk at dinner at the George Hotel in Stamford. Opened and consumed were bottles of Coates & Seeley La Perfide 2009 Rosé, Chateau Lafite 1996, Quinta do Noval 1931 (bottled by David Sandeman of Glasgow) and Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931 (bottled by Fearon Block). A bottle of Fonseca 1963 from the cellars of Althorp House was opened for post dinner drinking.
(Decanter priming sample): Opened at 23.15 the night before dinner; decanted at 14.15 and returned to the bottle at 13.15. Very dark red in colour with a touch of brick on the rim; 90% opaque. A big and perfumed nose, full of cassis and cedar; absolutely magnificent. Cool and restrained on the palate, so full of self-confidence in its ability to slowly put down layer after layer of flavour. Complex cedar and blackcurrant, concentrated yet beautifully balanced. The flavours explode on the aftertaste, a veritable symphony overwhelming at first, but allowing the senses to adjust to be able to relax into the harmony of the wine. Big and brash, yet calm and mellow at the same time. Fabulous wine.
Drunk and tasting note written at 20.30. Dark lighting so difficult to determine colour, wide rim. Beautiful nose; cassis and cedar with hints of woodsmoke - exquisite. Cedar on the palate, generous cassis with generous blackthorn fruit. Silky, satin texture with very fine grained tannins providing a little grip. Soft fruit on the aftertaste builds up into a lovely crescendo. Chewy cocoa finish and an infinite exquisite cedar length. This is truly an amazing wine. 98/100. Drunk 03-Feb-22. Decanted 6 hours.
(Decanter priming sample): Opened at 23.15 the night before dinner; decanted at 14.15 and returned to the bottle at 13.15. Very dark red in colour with a touch of brick on the rim; 90% opaque. A big and perfumed nose, full of cassis and cedar; absolutely magnificent. Cool and restrained on the palate, so full of self-confidence in its ability to slowly put down layer after layer of flavour. Complex cedar and blackcurrant, concentrated yet beautifully balanced. The flavours explode on the aftertaste, a veritable symphony overwhelming at first, but allowing the senses to adjust to be able to relax into the harmony of the wine. Big and brash, yet calm and mellow at the same time. Fabulous wine.
Drunk and tasting note written at 20.30. Dark lighting so difficult to determine colour, wide rim. Beautiful nose; cassis and cedar with hints of woodsmoke - exquisite. Cedar on the palate, generous cassis with generous blackthorn fruit. Silky, satin texture with very fine grained tannins providing a little grip. Soft fruit on the aftertaste builds up into a lovely crescendo. Chewy cocoa finish and an infinite exquisite cedar length. This is truly an amazing wine. 98/100. Drunk 03-Feb-22. Decanted 6 hours.