Thanks to Xiao P for sharing this fine vintage & nice photos!

Henriot Millesime 1996 Brut Champagne (750ml)

50% Pinot Noir; 50% Chardonnay

Tasted in early June, 2013

This bottle bears the new Henriot label -- not sure if it’s the original disgorgement or later disgorged version. But from the tasting, it appears to have at least several years’ post disgorgement age.

Served upon uncorking.

Pale, bright gold. Pinpoint bubbles.

The bouquet is voluptuously sensual & seamlessly fused: baked apple, mocha & hints of walnut, all beautifully wrapped in brown butter.

The taste also impresses right from the start. Seductively soft, deliciously juicy, mouthfilling & resonant. Lovely taste of the juiciest red apple! (But unfortunately, the red apple already shows wind-fall ripeness and begins to oxidize, which suggests the evolution of Pinot Noir is accelerating…) Excellent vinosity. Beautifully ripe acidity. The drawn-out & detailed finale is particularly admirable, with fine Chardonnay leading the show of transparent mineral finesse accompanied by lingering sour-sweet fruit. What poise & class! Classical champagne!

Around 40 minutes after uncorking, the Pinot Noir has vanished into thin air! Now it feels lighter on its feet. But no regret -- the fine Chardonnay alone dances on the taste buds with impeccable elegance, poise & aristocratic refinement. Now without the burden of mortal body, the soul shines in true glory…