1996 Chambertin
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Tasting notes
Poured from magnum, the 1996 Chambertin Grand Cru shows just a small sign of brettanomyces on the nose, yet somehow it does not seem to compromise the delineation with buoyant red and black fruit mixed with iodine and violets. The palate is focused and firm with plenty of pastille-like red fruit, sour cherries and clove. This feels very harmonious all the way through to its substantial finish - a great Chambertin from Trapet. Tasted at the 1243 Club in Beaune.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Somewhat rustic, musky aromas of dark cherry, crushed rock, spices, licorice, mocha, menthol and herbs. Juicy but a bit lean, with its distinctly saline, medicinal dark fruit and menthol flavors showing good intensity and life, if in the often ungiving style of the vintage. The substantial granular tannins arrive early, turning dusty and slightly dry. Boasts good palate presence but I wanted more texture and sweetness. This wine may still go on for a decade or more but it will never be generous.
This spectacular wine exhibits a dark ruby/purple color and offers a nose that calls to mind a chocolate milk-shake in which cherry syrup has been poured. This is a massive, super-thick, hugely concentrated and extracted wine. It is powerfully-flavored (plums, prunes, and cherries drenched in chocolate), intense, dense, and prodigiously long. I am ecstatic about this domaine's progress. Bravo! A Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42-84-38-22), various American importers.