Pibran 1996

The 1996 Pibran has turned out to be a sleeper of the vintage. A big, muscular wine, it boasts a saturated purple color, and sweet cassis fruit intermeshed with cedar and spice. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied, with ripe, well-integrated tannin, adequate acidity, and a long, well-delineated finish. This large-scaled, reasonably-priced Pauillac should drink well between 2004-2016. It is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance mostly Merlot, with a small dollop of Cabernet Franc.

Score: 89

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2004-2016 23 April 1999