🏰 The 1996 vintage of Château Soutard, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, is now considered a seriously underrated year for red Bordeaux, improving greatly upon acquaintance. Château Soutard has long held a reputation for producing age-worthy wines that reward patience. This traditionally made wine, primarily a Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend, with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, comes from a 22-hectare vineyard on a limestone plateau with sandy clay soils. It displays a dark red colour with bright intensity. The nose, of medium intensity, may still seem a little raw initially, but opens up to complex aromas. On the palate, it offers a supple attack, developing into a rich and very fruity structure that evolves smoothly, with superbly balanced tannins and good fruity persistence. This is a classic Bordeaux, and while some bottles may be showing signs of age, a well-stored example can still offer a delightful experience. 🍴 This mature Saint-Émilion pairs beautifully with all types of classic meat dishes, including veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, and roast chicken, whether roasted, braised, or grilled. It also makes a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta, as well as a selection of cheeses. 🥂 For a wine of this age, it's a wonderful choice for a contemplative evening or a special gathering with fellow wine enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of aged Bordeaux. 【A seriously underrated 1996 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, known for its age-worthiness and traditionally made style that rewards patience.】 Serving Advice: Wines of this age can be delicate. The cork may be fragile, so consider using a Durand opener. Decant gently for a short period (30 minutes to an hour) just before serving to separate any sediment and allow the wine to breathe, but avoid excessive aeration to preserve its subtle, evolved aromas. Serve at a cool cellar temperature of 15.5°C (60°F).