Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, France 1996 Mendocino I also get a lot

I also get a lot of tar

The nose has just enough funk dancing playfully around the dark berry tones to feel unique without being polarizing

and although it's not ethereal like the Ausone or even the Lafite

almond and white flower-laced nose and a lively

Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, France 1996 Mendocino I also get a lotThis is compelling, with a bright, forward currant fruit that is opening well now to show the nuance of game, earth, and gunflint to the ripe, dark fruit. The texture is tannic and fresh, with tannins starting to loosen but still in evidence. A luminous, radiant wine that will doubtless improve for another half century. 99 Pts Decanter