The 1996 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is really beginning to drink with style, wafting from the glass with an inviting nose of blackberries, cassis, cherries, rich soil tones, Cuban cigar and subtle hints of mint and bergamot. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with an expansive, sumptuous core of fruit that's underpinned by ripe acids and ripe, powdery virile tannins, it concludes with a long, penetrating and sapid finish. This unusually Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated vintage was tightly wound for its first two decades, but as time passes it's the château signature that's dominating the cépagement. It's one of the wines of the vintage in 1996.

The Color : with a rich core of dark fruit. It has a silky-smooth and opulent texture, with elegant, fine-grained tannins that have become well-integrated with age.

The Aroma : Expect an intense and complex bouquet of blackcurrant, cassis, and blackberry, layered with secondary notes of cedar, tobacco, graphite, smoke, and exotic spices. Hints of mint, bergamot, and floral qualities are also noted.

The Taste : The finish is long, pure, and mineral-laced, with lingering notes of spice and leather.

How to Enjoy : Serve the wine at cellar temperature, which is approximately 60°F (15.5°C). This slightly cool temperature allows the subtle and complex aromas to emerge without being muted by excessive warmth. You can also pair it with Beef , lamb , duck or truffle dishes.