1996

Rating: 9/10 - Drink or Keep.

One of the finest vintages of the 1990s and arguably one of the top four vintages of the last century, with exceptional wines being produced in the Médoc.

The weather pattern was unusual for a great vintage - warm and dry in June and July and then cool and damp throughout much of August. However, September was dry and sunny during the day, followed by cool nights - the result was a rapid rise in sugar levels but with acidity levels remaining intact, leading to ultra-ripe and well structured wines, especially in the Médoc.

This is one of the great post-war vintages for Médoc cabernet-based wines. They are rich, complex, and beautifully balanced wines, packed with ripe, pure fruit and have the structure that will allow the top wines to age well into the next decade and beyond.

The St. Emilions and Pomerols are distinguished, but tend to be overshadowed by the rich and gloriously fruity '95s.