Pape Clement 1996

A great wine that has put on considerable weight and continues to show more and more depth and complexity, the dark plum/ruby colored 1996 Pape Clement has a gorgeous nose of barbecue spices intermixed with black currant, plum, coffee, and a hint of white chocolate. The wine is exceptionally rich, fill-bodied, and a fabulous success, particularly in the Pessac-Leognan sector. The tannin is sweet and the wine full-bodied, with tremendous richness and length. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020. Last tasted, 4/02.

The '96 Pape-Clement has a very deep colour with brick rim. The nose is very leafy and decayed with intense dried tobacco leaf aromas, but without the requisite fruit intensity to back it up. With time there is a touch of tealeaf and a faint wisp of black olive compote. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly abrasive tannins and seems rather angular in the mouth. Moderate fruit concentration, very leafy and masculine with cedar and tobacco dominated the austere finish. It is difficult to see this wine ever improving. Tasted July 2010.