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The January 2026 Auction: Part 3
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1 / 2Lot 1714
Estimate: $2,000
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Collection name
Reviews
96+ · 94
96+ JG "It is a total crime to be opening a bottle of Christophe’s ’96 Bonnes-Mares at this point in time, unless one needs a bottle to go with the cheese course (which was the case when I last tasted this bottle in Beaune in January of 2002, when our magnum of 1961 Drouhin Bonnes-Mares was compromised by a bad cork and proven to be maderized). The bouquet is deep and still very primary, but with the complexity and layering that is already a hallmark of the top 1996s. The nose offers up a potpourri of black cherry, plum, vinesmoke, a bit of game, strong minerality, mustard seed, espresso and a hint of cedary wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and laser-like in its focus, with a rock solid core of fruit, terrific acid and tannic balance, and tremendous length and grip on the intensely flavored and complex finish. This is such a puppy today, but it is certainly destined to be one of the great reference points of the 1996 vintage." 94 AM Christophe Roumier fashioned some seriously impressive '96s and this has finally begun to open on the spicy, pure, airy and elegant nose while displaying really lovely aromatic complexity that continues on the relatively round sappy and sweet flavors that unlike many '96s, possesses excellent acid/fruit/tannin balance on the gorgeously persistent finish.
Region
Red
Country
Score
96+ JG "It is a total crime to be opening a bottle of Christophe’s ’96 Bonnes-Mares at this point in time, unless one needs a bottle to go with the cheese course (which was the case when I last tasted this bottle in Beaune in January of 2002, when our magnum of 1961 Drouhin Bonnes-Mares was compromised by a bad cork and proven to be maderized). The bouquet is deep and still very primary, but with the complexity and layering that is already a hallmark of the top 1996s. The nose offers up a potpourri of black cherry, plum, vinesmoke, a bit of game, strong minerality, mustard seed, espresso and a hint of cedary wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and laser-like in its focus, with a rock solid core of fruit, terrific acid and tannic balance, and tremendous length and grip on the intensely flavored and complex finish. This is such a puppy today, but it is certainly destined to be one of the great reference points of the 1996 vintage." 94 AM Christophe Roumier fashioned some seriously impressive '96s and this has finally begun to open on the spicy, pure, airy and elegant nose while displaying really lovely aromatic complexity that continues on the relatively round sappy and sweet flavors that unlike many '96s, possesses excellent acid/fruit/tannin balance on the gorgeously persistent finish.
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The world's most influential fine-wine producer and the benchmark for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhone. Its appellation (AOC) system codifies geography, grape and method, and its wines set the global standard for age-worthiness and terroir expression.
Produces the world's most revered Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from a mosaic of tiny, terroir-defined climats. Its hierarchy of village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards makes site the ultimate expression of quality.
Produces the most delicate and perfumed reds of the Cote de Nuits, prized for floral elegance and silky texture.
A thin-skinned, terroir-sensitive red producing perfumed, silky and elegant wines of red-berry fruit and earthy complexity. It reaches its apogee in Burgundy.