Domaine de la Romanee Conti   Montrachet

1999 Montrachet

By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti

1996 Nuits St Georges Aux Lavieres from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, Burgundy, France

In the heart of Burgundy, the tale of the 1996 vintage unfolds much like an epicurean odyssey, heralding wines that encapsulate both a region's mastery and nature’s benevolence. Within this narrative, the 1996 Nuits St Georges Aux Lavieres from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair emerges as a protagonist of its appellation, bringing to life the quintessence of its distinguished terroir.

 

A Vintage Singularity: Maturation and Elegance

The growing season of '96 was marked by peculiar swings in climate; a cool spring was followed by a summer that vacillated between extremes. Such conditions coaxed the Pinot Noir at Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair into yielding berries of tremendous complexity. This is reflected in the layers of aroma and flavour characteristic of fine Burgundian craft.

Now at a stage where maturity befits nobility, the 1996 Nuits St Georges Aux Lavieres seduces with a bouquet of aged cherries and earthy undertones, intertwined with threads of delicate spice and wilted rose petals—a perfumed mosaic that is testimony to the perseverance required in an undulating vintage such as '96.

 

Investment Worthy Attributes

Beyond its sensory delight, the astute wine investor recognises the scarcity and potential of such a storied vintage. Price appreciation for Burgundies like this 1996 Nuits St Georges Aux Lavieres have shown an upward trajectory, mirroring interest amongst collectors and connoisseurs alike—adoration that Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair continues to cultivate through limited production and unwavering quality.

The palate of this wine echoes its olfactory finesse; it spreads across the taste buds with svelte tannins and a remarkable balance between vivacity and depth—a performance indicative of Liger-Belair's profound understanding of their craft.

In summary, it is wines such as the 1996 Nuits St Georges Aux Lavieres from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair that epitomise the investment-worthy treasures nestled within Burgundy's emblematic hillsides. With each sip and savour, its storied past is honoured and its future provenance as one of the region's most distinguished offerings is assured. Consider this vintage an intricate tapestry—woven with threads of history and age-old viticulture—to adorn one's collection with substance and style.

Market price (GBP)

£111,180.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

8552.31

Scores and tasting notes

93

The 1999 Montrachet reveals golden hues to its color and a nose of massive ripeness. Powerful spice scents are intermingled with tropical yellow fruits and anise in its aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, it is fat, plump, oily-textured, and unbelievably rich. Its layers of spices and hyper-ripe fruits are sensually decadent and linger on the taster's palate for a long while. This is a broad, massively dense Montrachet for drinking over the next 8-10 years. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661.

Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2001

Vintage performance