Fill Level: base of neck. Label condition: excellent. Capsule condition: excellent. Bottles size: 0.75L. Bottler: Albert Pic (estate bottled). Up for auction is a prestigious bottle of Chablis "Saint Pierre" from the renowned Maison Albert Pic, from the exceptional 1996 vintage. Founded back in 1755, Albert Pic holds the historical record as the oldest winery in the entire Chablis appellation, embodying for over two centuries the ultimate expression of pure Chardonnay. This wine takes its name from the historic Saint Pierre church located in the heart of the village, right above the maison's ancient aging cellars. Since 1985, the estate has been under the enlightened guidance of Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, who has rigorously preserved the winery's traditional style: the vinification of the classic Chablis takes place exclusively in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, totally excluding the use of wood. This production philosophy aims to safeguard the extraordinary freshness of the fruit and the deep mineral and saline imprint bestowed by the typical Kimmeridgian limestone soil, rich in prehistoric marine fossils. The 1996 vintage is considered by critics and Burgundy experts as a memorable year for white wines; the remarkable original acidity of the grapes has allowed this Chardonnay to evolve superbly over time, developing a fascinating aromatic complexity rich in tertiary notes. Having now reached its full expressive maturity, this bottle represents today a very rare, evolved white wine for meditation, ideal for collectors of historical rarities and for enthusiasts eager to discover the incredible longevity potential of great French white wines.