1996 Château Raymond-Lafon Sauternes Magnum

history of château raymond-lafon and the meslier family

Château Raymond-Lafon was founded around 1850 and is situated among some of Sauternes' most famous wine estates, such as Château d'Yquem. At the time, it could not be included in the 1855 classification due to its young plantings, but its reputation grew over the years. In 1972, Pierre and Francine Meslier, who had previously been technical director at Château d'Yquem, took over the estate. They applied the same strict selection and vinification techniques. Since 1990, the company has been run by their children, Marie-Françoise, Charles-Henri, and Jean-Pierre Meslier. Today, they are the driving force behind the house's continuity and quality.

region, terroir and climate in Sauternes

The estate covers approximately 18 hectares, of which about 16 are planted with old vines (average age 35–40 years). The soil consists of a mixture of gravel, clay, and limestone. The location is exceptional—next to d'Yquem, surrounded by prestigious neighborhoods—with ideal conditions for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The Sauternes climate offers morning mist and daytime sunshine—perfect for even development and sugar concentration.

grapes, harvest and vinification process

The vineyards consist of approximately 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvesting is carried out with the utmost precision, grape by grape, in multiple passes—sometimes five to ten times—to select only perfectly vinified grapes. Fermentation takes place after pressing. The wine is aged for three years in 100% new French oak barriques. In less favorable years, up to 20% of the fruit can be declassified, ensuring that only the highest quality makes it into the Grand Vin.

1996 Château Raymond-Lafon magnum: development and character

The 1996 vintage is considered a classic Bordeaux vintage, with rich, generous wines rather than lean ones. This Sauternes displays a deep golden color and rich aromas of honey, botrytis, and apricot. The nose is powerful and complex, while the palate remains fresh thanks to vibrant acidity and layered fruit notes, elegant and long on the finish. A recent assessment awarded this vintage approximately 92 points.

Since this wine is over 15 years old, it's always fascinating and exciting to see how it's developed: still beautiful or already past its prime? That's precisely what makes the experience of a 1996 so intriguing.

In magnum format, this bottle is not only more festive in presentation, but the wine also develops more slowly and evenly – you enjoy a longer drinking window and more subtle evolution.

sensory perception: color, smell and taste

Colour: Deep golden amber with warm nuances revealing maturity and concentration.

Nose: Intense notes of honey, apricot, mirabelle and subtle botrytic complexity, combined with hints of orange peel and sweet spices.

Palate: A luxurious richness with honeyed fruit and a refined acidity that freshens and enhances the structure. The finish is intense and long-lasting, with notes of candy sugar, spices, and a hint of exotic fruit.

Would you like to order Château Raymond-Lafon wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings with 1996 Château Raymond-Lafon Magnum

• Soft pâté de campagne with candied onion – the sweet-sour harmony and texture enhance the wine's complexity.
• Roast foie gras on brioche – the rich coating of the foie gras matches the honeyed interior of the wine.
• Warm caramelized pears with vanilla cream – fruity sweetness and creaminess complement the botrytic layers.
• Stuffed scallops with orange butter – the light citrus and buttery notes accentuate the refreshing acidity and long finish.
• Riviera goat's cheese with honey and thyme – the mild salty notes and sweet herbs complement the aroma palette in a refined way.
• Pan-fried scallop with crispy Parma ham – the salt and umami in the ham provide an exciting contrast and prolong the richly sweet impressions.