Château d'Ampuis, Côte-Rôtie, 1996

"Sadly, there are only 23,000 bottles (all aged in small oak) of the outstanding 1996 Côte-Rôtie Chateau d'Ampuis, which was bottled in October, 1999. Its dark ruby/purple colour is followed by an intense nose of tapenade, dried herbs, licorice, leather, and black currants. The wine is nicely-textured, soft, with less acidity than most 1996 Côte-Rôties, and a layered, supple finish" Drink it over the next 10-12 years. Robert Parker 90 points Wine Advocate. 

"Beautiful. Balanced, supple and silky. Full-bodied, it's delicious now thanks to the ripe, smooth tannins. Offers fresh blackberry and red berry flavors, with intense smoke and grilled character and a lively finish" 90 points Wine Spectator