I have a lot of both vintages.Which should I drink first?
Depends on the wine. But if it is the same wine in both vintages, 1996.
I believe even the top wines from both vintages have reached the youthful peak. However, the top wines still need a couple decades to reach the second, “real”, peak like the 59s or 61s. The 96 is a classic vintage, very precise, detailed and pure. The 95 is riper, often expressing espresso, and displays coarse tannins.
On the Left Bank, the 96s are generally more aromatic than the 95s, but the 95s are a bit deeper and definitely have a tougher structure (though the 96s are no soft offerings in their own right). 1995 is a more complete vintage overall as the Right Bank was better that year.
None of the big guns from either vintage are really ready for my mileage, but if I had to drink more from one vintage right now, I’d say go for the 96s.
1995 Cos d’Estournel.