Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Quite floral with plummy cassis, creamy blackberry and a touch of pencil lead, crushed rocks . On the palate this has quite good freshness , ripe cassis and blackberry , but with dusty firm tannins . Mineral , seashell hints of on the good length finish . Quite richly fruited but well balanced overall . This needs more time but for 2018 is promising, balanced with good freshness . Come back in 10 -15 years and will show well a further 10 — a month ago

Rick Phillips

9.6

After 35 years I was not expecting much. Especially when the cork disintegrated on opening. Aureated on decanting and was happily surprised. After about 20 minutes opened to dark chocolate, leather but so smooth. The last glass was pure delight. Howell Mountain at its best! — 18 days ago

with Letha

Jay Kline

9.4

Opened and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1996 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing and loaded with currants, pencil lead, earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super grippy; slightly bitter and earthy. A lovely, classic expression of Bordeaux and drinking well in its prime. Drink now through 2046. — 14 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Better on its own and still needs lots of time. Hold another 5-8 years and beyond. — 4 days ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.4

Great bottle, a bit on the oxidative side but very complex and long, we liked it a great deal. — 15 days ago

with Jose, veronique and 1 other

Rebecca Graham

9.1

Has aged admirably. Cedar nose changes to fruit on the palate. — 4 days ago

Mark

8.9

Rich jammy flavor. Good finish. I really enjoyed this wine. Very good value for the price. — a month ago

John W

9.6

On the nose, tobacco, cherry and chocolate. On the palate, dark cherry, cassis, chocolate, full bodied, rich. — 8 days ago

Dave Keatley

9.0

Honey and ripe pear. Lifted aromas. Great density on the palate and lingering acidity. — 5 days ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.5

Medium ruby , wider light ruby rim . Touch more closed and mineral on the nose with, red currant , grafite , cedar . Quite aloof . On the palate this is quite strict , excellent refreshing acidity and very noticeable gritty tannin , more red fruits on the palate , red currant, cherry, cranberry hints alongside the cassis and mineral backbone . Very young , mineral , quite linear and saline . This shows a lot of intensity and salinity after a while in the glass , improves with time in the glass but really needs time in the cellar. Come back in 5 - 10 years , will show well for a further 10 perhaps 20 years. Very classic and aristocratic . — 19 days ago