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Three separate tastings of the 1996 Clos de l'Obac reinforced my initial impression that this is the most backward and tannic wine this estate has yet produced. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Carignan, it spent 14 months in 100% new French oak, and was bottled unfiltered. While the average age of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot is 10 years, the Grenache and Carignan date from vineyards planted in 1945, 1950, and the early 1900's.
The wine may merit an outstanding score with another 2-3 years of bottle age. At present, it is light, acidic and tannic. The color is a medium deep ruby. The tight nose offers scents of kirsch, minerals, smoke, and pain grille. In the mouth, both the acidity and tannin are high, and the wine elegant and restrained, with impressive purity and richness, but very closed and difficult to assess (thus the question mark). Although it gives the impression of weight and richness, the mouth-searing tannin combined with its tart acids keep the finish compressed and tightly wound. Give this effort 4-5 years of cellaring; it has the potential to last for 2 decades.
Dry Red. Blend of 35% Garnacha, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 10% Merlot and 10% Cariñena. Made with vines from the following estates: Planassos, Les Comes, Vinya Gran, La Vaca, Guinarderes, el Camí de Lloà, la Capella and el Bellvís. 12 months in new French oak.
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