1797 | 1996

"There is admirable acidity, weight, texture, and purity in this impeccably made Yquem. ...Compared with the flamboyant aromatics of the 1997, Yquem's 1996 plays it closer to the vest, although there is a lot going on. Light gold with a tight but promising nose of roasted hazelnuts intermixed with creme brulee, vanilla beans, honey, orange marmalade, and peaches, this medium to full-bodied offering reveals loads of power in its restrained, measured personality." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

268 bottles from cask number 5223. Aged in a bourbon barrel. Distilled November 1996, and bottled February 2011. 46%abv

Distilled on 7/2/96, and bottled on 8/24/09. Aged 13 years in a Virgin Oak Barrel. 54.8%, 232 total bottles from cask number 2338.

104.8 proof. Cask number 1599.

Nose: Light and fresh with hints of vanilla and honey. Palate: Sweet, with hints of butterscotch and ripe summer fruits. Body: Light Finish: Long Cask Type: First fill Bourbon Narrel.

"Exhibits a moderately intense nose of black cherries, chocolate, smoke, dried herbs, and toasty oak. As reported last year, it appears to be California's version of a big, rich St.-Emilion. Offering elegance and finesse along with copious quantities of fruit, glycerin, and flavor, this medium to full-bodied wine has evolved nicely over the last year, and can be drunk now as well as over the next 12-15 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker

"The 1996 Dominus, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. Although this offering lacks the power, intensity, and compelling characteristics of the 1991 and 1994, it is not far off the pace of those two monumental wines. A super nose of roasted coffee, chocolate, dried herbs, black fruits and kirsch is both intense and persuasive. The wine displays terrific richness, medium to full body, low acidity, a succulent, opulent texture, and superb purity. This beautifully made 1996 is one of the few wines that has successfully tamed the vintage's elevated tannin level... Impressive!"

Distilled in July of 1996. Bottled in October of 2009. 180 bottles from a Refill Hogshead. DL Ref 5110.