1996 ANNO

Cockburn’s 1996 Anno is sourced from Cockburn’s estate vineyards in the Upper Douro, as well as selected “A” grade private growers. 1996 was an excellent year, with sufficient early spring rain, a mild flowering season with plenty of sunlight and a warm summer followed by a cool harvest time. Grapes were harvested by hand at an average 25º Brix. This wine is a blend of the five best port grapes grown in the Douro River Valley: Touriga Nacional (35%), Tinta Barroca (30%), Tinta Roriz (15%), Touriga Francesa (15%) and Tinto Cao (5%). After intense maceration of the fermenting must, the wine was fortified and aged 5 years in 10-year-old, 160-gallon barrels. Longer cask aging allows time for sediments to precipitate from the wine. This, combined with a light filtering before bottling, allows 1996 Anno LBV to be enjoyed without the need for decanting.

Cockburn’s 1996 Anno has a clean, intense nose, overlaid with plum and red fruit aromas. Big on the palate, with well-balanced acidity and tannins, and a long finish.

Wine Statistics:

COMPOSITION: Touriga Nacional (35%), Tinta Barroca (30%), Tinta Roriz (15%), Touriga Francesa (15%) and Tinto Cao (5%)
FERMENTATION: 50% stainless; 50% granite lagares
pH: 3.65
ALCOHOL: 20%
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 10%
RELEASED: September 2002