Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, France 1996 Mendocino 30% Merlot and the rest

30% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot has close to 15% natural alcohol

plums and dark chocolate through to a deeply classy finish

and although it's not ethereal like the Ausone or even the Lafite

but that is the vintage

intense and flavorful finish with flavors similar to the aromas

Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, France 1996 Mendocino 30% Merlot and the restThis is compelling, with a bright, forward currant fruit that is opening well now to show the nuance of game, earth, and gunflint to the ripe, dark fruit. The texture is tannic and fresh, with tannins starting to loosen but still in evidence. A luminous, radiant wine that will doubtless improve for another half century. 99 Pts Decanter