Andre Beaufort Ambonnay Grand Cru Millesime 1996

The 1996 Brut Millésime Grand Cru captures the best qualities of this legendary vintage. Only the wine's volume is a hint as to its age, because the aromas and flavors remain decidedly youthful. With time in the glass mint, licorice, oranges and dried apricots reluctantly make an appearance, but this is a big, structured wine that could still use another few years in bottle. Readers will have a hard time waiting, though, as the 1996 is in a beautiful place today.