1996 Potensac

Ok, finally a 1996 Medoc that is ready. I had this wine on release and I thought it excellent, but then it went through a long, unpleasant closed phase that can turn one off from Bordeaux for good. It’s been a long while since I had one, and the bottle tonight is on. Comes across as very Cab Sauvignon heavy, with a big nose of cool fruit, mint, and basil, but with some top notes of sur maturité (whiffs of roast, caramel, cinnamon). Quite smooth and resolved with very good grip and substance for a wine of this pedrigree. Sure, a bit simple, but delicious. Ready but will hold for 5 to 10.

This reaffirms my hope that the bigger 95s and 96s from the Medoc really do just need more time to shine, and that the dryness still on these wines will wear off.

I’m glad to hear this, I picked up a few halves from WineBid for $13 each recently but have not tried one yet. Thanks for the note.

That’s a nice price. I hope the halves show for you like my 750.

Wow. 2000 is still drinking well.

Generally don’t buy them anymore though.

A little too taut outside the bestest years…