1996 Monbousquet, St-Emilion
SKU #110484
90 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I extend my congratulations and accolades to the relatively young new proprietor of Monbousquet, Gerard Perse...he has reduced yields to under 30 hectoliters per hectare, and is doing everything to ensure a natural expression of his vineyards' terroirs...The 1996 Monbousquet is an outstanding effort. The wine is slightly tannic, but it exhibits an exotic nose of kirsch liqueur, cassis, roasted herbs, espresso, and mocha. It possesses excellent texture, impressive depth and richness, and sweet toasty oak. The saturated dark ruby/purple color suggests a dense wine. The finish is both long and well-delineated, with moderate tannin. This beautifully-etched Monbousquet will take several years to come around. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2017.
(4/1999)
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Excellent deep ruby color. Primary aromas of dark berries, cherry, shoe polish and smoky oak. Supple, rich and textured, but not as pliant or layered as the '97 due to slightly edgy acids. Finishes with well-distributed, dusty tannins that will require a few years to soften.
(6/1998)
Wine Spectator
Very flashy for the vintage, although slightly hollow in the midpalate. Lovely aromas of spices, cinnamon and fruit. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a fruity, spicy aftertaste.
(1/1999)
