| Score: |
94+ JG.
"Ultimately, it will be a tough call as to whether the 1993 or the 1996 ascend to the throne of the 1978 when that wine abdicates its position as the “King of the Ducs” in another decade or so. As racy and soil-driven as the delightful 1996 will be at its apogee, I would have to cast in my lot with the slightly deeper and more powerful 1993. The bouquet is deep and potentially magical, soaring from the glass with notes of sappy black cherry fruit, red and dark berries, a touch of juniper, woodsmoke, very, very intense minerality, and incipient notes of the forest floor to come with further bottle age. On the palate this is a full-bodied and laser-like thoroughbred, with tremendous depth coupled to stunning purity in the mid-palate, and classic structure on the finish. The tannins are substantial, but fine and very well-integrated, with tangy acids and stunning grip making this magnificent wine most impressive on the very long finish. Reference point Ducster." John Gilman, View From the Cellar, Bonus Articles, Volnay |