Domaine Robert Ampeau & Fils is one of Burgundy's most traditional and respected family estates. Based in Puligny-Montrachet, the domaine is renowned for its unique practice of late-release wines. Rather than selling wines shortly after bottling, the Ampeau family matures them in their own cellars for many years before release, allowing consumers to purchase mature Burgundy with impeccable provenance. Today the estate is managed by Michel Ampeau and farms around 10 hectares across Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay, Beaune and Savigny-lès-Beaune, including several Premier Cru vineyards.

The 1996 vintage is regarded as one of the finest white Burgundy vintages of the decade. A cool growing season preserved exceptionally high natural acidity, producing Chardonnays with outstanding longevity. Robert Ampeau's patient cellar ageing has allowed the wine to evolve slowly while retaining remarkable freshness, making bottles released directly from the estate highly sought after by collectors.

Now approaching three decades of age, the wine displays the hallmark characteristics of mature Meursault. The bouquet offers aromas of toasted hazelnut, brioche, honey, baked apple, preserved lemon, chamomile and flinty minerality. On the palate it is rich and creamy yet lifted by the vibrant acidity that defines the 1996 vintage. Layers of beurre noisette, roasted almonds, citrus peel and wet stone lead to a long, savoury finish with impressive energy. Comparable 1996 Premier Cru bottlings from the estate demonstrate the same balance of richness and freshness.