1996 Clos de la Roche VV Assortment Case (1997-2002)
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes, originally rated a whopping 92-95, was a disheartening wine to re-visit after bottling. It exhibits a somewhat dark color and has a muted nose that only revealed some strawberry scents after considerable coaxing. This is an oily-textured, medium-bodied, well-balanced, and persistent wine, yet its flavors are dominated by earth, gravel, and underbrush. I have no idea what happened to the "layers of blackberries, cherries, cassis, mocha, and fresh herbs" I had tasted 12 months before. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802.
Critic scores
Pierre Rovani
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
The 1996 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes, originally rated a whopping 92-95, was a disheartening wine to re-visit after bottling. It exhibits a somewhat dark color and has a muted nose that only revealed some strawberry scents after considerable coaxing. This is an oily-textured, medium-bodied, well-balanced, and persistent wine, yet its flavors are dominated by earth, gravel, and underbrush. I have no idea what happened to the "layers of blackberries, cherries, cassis, mocha, and fresh herbs" I had tasted 12 months before. Wine Advocate.October, 1999
About the producer
Domaine Ponsot is one of the most well-known estates in the Côte de Nuits, famed for owning three of the original four hectares of the Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. The legendary domaine also produces another nine Grand Cru cuvées.