96 Robert Parker
The dense opaque purple-colored 1996 Sori San Lorenzo possesses complex aromatics, consisting of classic Nebbiolo scents of rose petals, dried herbs, spice box, cedar, and abundant jammy black cherry and berry fruit. It is impressively powerful and muscular, with moderate tannin, a sweet, unctuous texture, and a 40+ second finish. Although the aromatics are stunning, this 1996 remains youthful and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.
As I reported in issue #124 (8-27-99), 1996 is a spectacular vintage for Angelo Gaja. There is a lot of speculation as to why he has dropped the name Barbaresco from the labels of his single-vineyard wines, but given his personality and overall commitment to quality, it can only be to improve the quality and give him some flexibility in difficult vintages to produce a wine that may or may not be 100% Nebbiolo. At least that's how I view it.
96 Wine Spectator
Shows gorgeous plum and strawberry, with hints of earth. Full-bodied, with a beautiful texture of ultravelvety tannins and a long, long finish. Thick and decadent, but very nice. Hard not to drink now, but will improve. What it should be!--1996 Piedmont retrospective. Drink now. 870 cases made. ?JS
96 Robert Parker
The dense opaque purple-colored 1996 Sori San Lorenzo possesses complex aromatics, consisting of classic Nebbiolo scents of rose petals, dried herbs, spice box, cedar, and abundant jammy black cherry and berry fruit. It is impressively powerful and muscular, with moderate tannin, a sweet, unctuous texture, and a 40+ second finish. Although the aromatics are stunning, this 1996 remains youthful and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.
As I reported in issue #124 (8-27-99), 1996 is a spectacular vintage for Angelo Gaja. There is a lot of speculation as to why he has dropped the name Barbaresco from the labels of his single-vineyard wines, but given his personality and overall commitment to quality, it can only be to improve the quality and give him some flexibility in difficult vintages to produce a wine that may or may not be 100% Nebbiolo. At least that's how I view it.
96 Wine Spectator
Shows gorgeous plum and strawberry, with hints of earth. Full-bodied, with a beautiful texture of ultravelvety tannins and a long, long finish. Thick and decadent, but very nice. Hard not to drink now, but will improve. What it should be!--1996 Piedmont retrospective. Drink now. 870 cases made. ?JS