1996 Margaux

100 POINTS: Tasted at Berry Bros 1996 '25 years on' supper in November, and also at the estate in June, this is unquestionably one of the finest 1996s that you can open right now. Softly spoken, finely-spun tannins that are still in control, setting off the white truffle, cured leather and smoked earth notes. This inches forward through the palate, slowly unwinding its raspberry and wild strawberry fruits, along with penoy and dried rose aroamtics. A stunning wine that is still giving so much pleasure. The team at the estate always say this is particularly special to them also - it was a late harves after a burst of rain at the end of September when many of their neighbours began to pick. They decided to wait, and were rewarded with beautifully ripe Cabernet that was tannic and a little surly at first, but that now proves the wisdom of holding your nerve. 100% new oak.