1996 Château Mouton Rothschild, France, Bordeaux, Pauillac, Wine Review

This vintage is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 10% of Cabernet Franc.  It is at maturity and drinking beautifully.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is classic with cassis, cigar box, baking spices, slight old leather and menthol(?).  Full bodied.  Firm tannins.  Great balance.  On the palate, this is showing lots of depth and complexity.  Layers of cassis, tobacco, some cherries and a nice earthiness.  Long finish.  This is drinking beautifully now and should easily go another twenty years.  Great on its own but would be better with food.  it would be perfect with a Standing Rib Roast or Beef Wellington.