Hailed as one of the great vintages of the 20th century, the 1996 is simultaneously lively and intense, with a creamy texture and a concentration of fruit. Notes of brioche and limestone or slate-like minerality are common, while a fresh zing of lemon, pomelo and grapefruit imparts a touch of youthfulness.

Spanish wine has been on a tear of late. At a recent Hart Davis Hart sale in Chicago, 29 lots of Vega Sicilia Unico sold for a total of almost US$80,000, surpassing the high estimate of
US$70,950.

LP Nov-Dec 15 Collecting - Vega
LP Nov-Dec 15 Champagne Feature
LP Nov-Dec 15 '96 Horizontal

A modern classic, butter-poached lobster was invented by Thomas Keller at Napa Valley’s The French Laundry.  After blanching the lobster in hot water, the meat is removed from the shell, and finished in emulsified butter.

Returns on Champagne, frequently touted as the next big thing in collectable wine, have often been less than bubbly. Even classic vintage Champagne such as Dom Pérignon 1990 has not set the auction world on fire

Caramel, crisp apples and flaky, buttery pastry are the operative flavors in a classic tarte tatin. Fortunately, this is an easy pairing with the honey and spice aromas of noble sweet wines. The ultimate companion to this dish would be a Sauternes with a bit of age

To buy, hold and drink wine is one of life’s visceral joys, says CHARLES CURTIS. Just be sure you are attuned to the finest details.  The notion of squirreling away cases of wine to gather dust seems at odds with the hedonistic enjoyment it can provide