1996 Napa Valley

The preceding winter was warm with abundant rain, resulting in an early budbreak. However, subsequent cool weather and drizzly conditions led to poor flowering/millerandage, resulting in a smaller crop.

July and August were hot, with a heat spell in early to mid-August, where temperatures rose to 105+ degrees Fahrenheit. September cooled down and allowed for phenolic and flavor ripeness. Still, the lower yields and sun/heat of the summer equated to a riper style with relatively high alcohols (14-14.5%, which seems moderate nowadays).

Many rich, seductive, age-worthy reds came out of Napa in 1996, which are still delicious but will not have quite the stamina as their Médoc rivals from this year.