1996 Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs
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The 1996 Blanc de Blancs, from magnum, comes from a cooler-than-average year and was picked in November. This bottle was disgorged in August 2013. It has a lovely beeswax and dried honey bouquet, revealing touches of orange peel and caramelized pear. The palate is fresh on the entry, with a tang of marmalade and a little more mineralité than the 1992 toward the finish. This shows slightly more cohesion compared to the maiden vintage. (August 2013 disgorgement)
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
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The 1996 Blanc de Blancs from Nyetimber was actually served from magnum at a dinner with friends but it was so good and now so difficult to find that I felt compelled to include it here. There is still a light mousse after 20-odd years and its pale color belied its age. The nose is generous and soft with scents of brioche, hazelnuts and just a touch of marzipan, although it has retained fine delineation. The palate is well balanced and fresh, moderate weight in the mouth with a linear, quite malic, cooking apple finish mixed with a citrus peel note that lends tension. This was certainly a very pleasant surprise and I thank my surgeon friend for serving it.