Corton Renardes 1996 75cl

The Corton Renardes color appeared to be a touch lighter than the other offerings. It reveals mouth-watering aromas of super-ripe cherries, plums, bacon, and sweet rose blossoms. This massive, powerful, superbly balanced, delineated, and velvety textured wine explodes on the palate with juicy black and red berries, prunes, and wild game flavors. Its mind-boggling finish exhibits loads of dried fruits and soft, supple tannins. I envy the wealthy collectors that will be able to serve it along side the equally extraordinary 1995! Anticipated maturity: 2003-2012. "There is never any bleeding in my cellars," said Mme. Bize-Leroy just before I gouged myself with my corkscrew, proving her wrong. Of course, she was referring to the winemaking technique of increasing concentration by "bleeding off" the watery juice of a light pressing prior to fermentation, not the results of my battles with her recently bottled wines. As wine lovers have come to expect with every new vintage from this domaine, the 1996 Leroys are extraordinary, benchmark setting wines. This is the only estate I visited whose 1996s were as concentrated as the 1995s, obviously due to the fact that Mme. Bize-Leroy kept her yields exceedingly low (below 25 hectoliters/hectare). These wines will reach their respective peaks sooner than their 1995 counterparts, however, due to their softer tannins and brighter, more forward fruit.

Very polished and fresh, with smoky, almost baconlike aromas and cherry flavors. Moderately concentrated, with firm tannins and a suave texture. Great length and harmony. Best from 2000 through 2006. –BS