TN: Orlando St Hugo 1996

[monghead]

Mmmmmm

Still deep, dark purple, with only slight bricking on the edges. Sumptuous, fragrant berries, with cedary, chocolate oak. Initially, a hint of tobacco leatheriness, which was overwhelmed by the rich fruit as the wine opened out in half an hour in the glass. Creamy initial mouthfeel, with deep flavours of mulberries, and plums with some spiciness soon after. Savoury, cedary oak, with cigar and tar nuances. Medium to full bodied, coating at least 3/4 of palate. Finishes with grippy, fine, persistent tannins.

A real joy to savour. Won't be opening another bottle for another couple of years based on this bottle.

Cheers,

Monghead.

[Gerard Connors]

Monghead,

I tried one of these around New Year and concur. Drinking superbly, but no hurry - it'll go another 5-8yrs at least.

Ged

[Phil Shorten]

I recently had a bottle of the 1990 and can confirm that it is currently drinking very well - at its peak - but will hold for some time yet - excellent wine and excellent value for money.

Cheers
Phil

[Justin B.]

Well done Monghead, Phil and Gerard. I have been wondering whether or not to open a 96 but am still yet to do so. I will wait. I have a 90 Magnum. Sounds like I should start looking out for the right time to open it.

[simm]

Yes, good to know. I'm going to give the '97 a go again and see if it is going to get any better than the last one. The fruit is not as good as the '96 but still quite a good wine, more in the red berry spectrum and with the texture on the smooth side, as I recall.

cheers,

[xsorxpire]

Anyone tried one of these recently?

[Popov]

Yep, had one a couple of weeks back and it was looking great! Still a bit of time left in it.

[xsorxpire]

Thanks Popov.
I have four left and would hate to waste them...

[dlo]

Well-kept bottles of the 1988 are still travelling well, too.