TN: 1996 Tirecul la Gravière C.Mme. Monbazillac

[Roel]

Château Tirecul la Gravière Cuvée Madame AC Monbazillac 1996 ...and forget the replacing value of this rare 500ml- bottle: Harvested between 15 October and 25 November 1996. Dark golden amber colour indicating some age. Wonderful nose with dried apricot, raisins, toffee, hay and orange skin. Intense on the palate with mostly apricot, crême brulée, tangarine, chocolate and just very siropy, although the acidity backs it all up perfectly. Very good length and very sophisticated. Not overly complex, but just extremely pleasing and pure. 93 points

[AKR]

I've heard a lot about this estate, but never actually tried them.

Would it be mistaken for a Sauternes/Barsac?

[Roel]

Good question, but not in my book. It has a high perecntage of muscadelle in the blend, leading to a tangarine/apricot taste. I would rather mistake it for a Tokaji (although I had my last one 6 years ago, so my memory may be wrong).