1996 Château Magdelaine | DMG

Very good dark red. Bright, pure aromas of red cherry, flowers and smoky oak. Sweet, silky red fruit flavors are enlivened by bright acids. Good precision and cut. Finishes firm and pure, with a nutty note. Showing better fruit today than it did a year ago.

- Stephen Tanzer (05/1998)

Fascinating aromas of chocolate, berries, violet and light vanilla follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. I would give this a few more years still. Stylish and honest. Better than I remember.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.

This somewhat evolved, weedy, tobacco-scented wine shows red currants along with some vanilla. In the mouth the wine is a bit angular but attractive on the front end, then somewhat dry in the finish. The wine has reached maturity quickly and should hold for another decade. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012. Last tasted, 12/02.

- Robert M. Parker, Jr. (01/2003)