1996 Moulin Touchais

Evolving at a glacial pace, this is an exceptionally concentrated and luscious Moulin Touchais yet shows remarkable vibrancy for it’s age.

The wines of Moulin Touchais begin reaching their peak after twenty years, and many of the great vintages will take much longer. Vintages such as the 1953, 1959, 1964, 1969 are still maturing. The 1945, 1947 and 1949 have become classics. Moulin Touchais are the only winemakers in the world who give a century long guarantee on the longevity of their wines (subject to being kept under optimal cellar conditions). Bottles may show some sediment or deposit. One should understand this is due to the traditional filtration process, the main aim being to protect the colour, the bouquet and the depth of flavour of the wine.
The 1996 has a evolved at a glacial pace since our last tasting some 15 years ago. Bright pale gold to gold colour with a deeper tone of gold to the edges. A touch more subdued than other vintages, the nose offers up aromas of honey, spice, pear skin and quince followed by some baked apple and cinnamon notes. Exceptionally long and concentrated across the palate, honeyed peach, pear and quince fruits are featured over a delicate baked apple, marmalade and spice back drop. Despite its luscious mid palate feel it finishes dry, showing remarkable vibrancy and length.
Drink over the next 30 years plus.
Alc. 14%

Tasting note from 2010: Bright lemon gold colour with golden straw edges and pale gold hue. The nose is a touch restrained at first but opens up to reveal aromas of quince, lemon, apple and spice followed by a touch of honey as an end note. The palate is quite spicy, more so than the previous vintages tasted (99, 98 & 97) and displays flavours of baked apple, spice and lemon honey with spiced honey back palate flavours. Outstanding mouthfeel and concentration. Excellent acidity and structure with a clean finish, looking very youthful and showing no signs of bottle age whatsoever. Exceptionally long aftertaste of baked apple, spiced honey and quince.
Cellar 20-30 years (2030-2040)
97 points

Other Reviews....
This estate, owned by the same family since 1787, has amazing stocks of old sweet wines maturing in its cellars. With red apple, honey and apricot aromas, this wine, mature and yet so fresh, is proof of the aging ability of Chenin Blanc. It is the balance between the ripe honeyed flavors and the intense acidity that keeps it so vibrant. Drink this superb wine now.
95 points
Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast