Domaine Coche Dury   Puligny Montrachet les Enseigneres

1996 Puligny Montrachet les Enseigneres

By Domaine Coche-Dury

The 1996 Meursault Goutte d'Or from Domaine des Comtes Lafon

The profound elegance of Burgundy is no more present than in the expressive vintages from Domaine des Comtes Lafon. Focusing on the 1996 Meursault Goutte d'Or, one discovers a year when the confluence of meticulous viticulture and serendipitous weather patterns yielded a wine of particular distinction.

 

Reflecting the Unique Tapestry of 1996

The infamous late frost of April '96, followed by a rather sanguine summer, presented challenges that were masterly navigated by Domaine des Comtes Lafon. This season lent this variant of Goutte d'Or an innate tension between opulent fruit and racy acidity; a testament to Meursault's capability to enchant even under trying circumstances.

In the glass, one is greeted by a resolute golden hue — a prelude to the treasures held within. A nuanced bouquet springs forth, blending toasted hazelnuts and Meyer lemon with undercurrents of honeysuckle and delicate vanilla bean, yielding to an unfathomable depth one seldom encounters.

 

A Vintage Speaking Volumes

On the palate, the 1996 Meursault Goutte d'Or reveals a symphony of complexities. Each note, from ripe peach to crushed limestone, builds upon its predecessor with harmonious precision. This is still buoyant and refreshing; an extraordinary feat for its age, evincing that characteristic marvellous longevity for which Domaine des Comtes Lafon are renowned.

The finish carries forward with impeccable persistence, presenting an opportunity not only to savour but also to invest; such is the stature and rarity that this vintage now commands within circumspect fine wine echelons.

 

Conclusion: An Investable Heritage

To encounter the 1996 Meursault Goutte d'Or today is to engage with a slice of Burgundian history — captured and preserved at its zenith. For enthusiasts who seek maturation with grace, coupled with an undeniably astute investment potential, this offering from Domaine des Comtes Lafon stands as one of the vintage's crowning achievements. A pinnacle of discernment for collectors awaiting to bequeath or relish a paragon from this celebrated terroir.

Current market price

$21,520.00

12x75cl

Highest score

92

POP score

1074.17

Scores and tasting notes

92

An excellent 1996 Puligny Montrachet Enseignieres from Coche-Dury that has aged with style. It has a mature but still engaging bouquet with chalk, orange rind, lychee and dandelion aromas that is nicely defined, hints of white peach emerging with time. The palate is very well-balanced, though perhaps not with quite the thrilling level of precision as the ’99. Yet there is impressive weight here with superb mineral tones on the satisfying, persistent finish. This is very fine indeed and I can see no reason why it will not continue to drink well for several more years.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2014

Vintage performance