(very much a cabernet-dominated vintage, with 57% cabernet sauvignon and 36% merlot) Bright medium ruby. Highly complex aromas of blackberry, violet pastille, eucalyptus, leather and game. Wonderfully sweet but with terrific grip, even a touch of youthful austerity. Very classy, subtle wine with terrific inner-mouth energy. Builds very slowly on the back half, finishing with noble, fine-grained tannins and terrific grip. This makes the 1995 seem almost cooked by comparison. Still needs at least five or six years of cellaring. "We always had unusual tastes in this wine, like eucalyptus and menthol, due to the cool September nights," noted Ducasse.

A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the 1996 is even more subdued on the nose than the 1996, with overt cedar and tobacco aromas. But good definition, perhaps with a little more clarity than the 1995. Unfurls reluctantly to reveal more smoky aromas. Surprisingly supple on the entry, good balance with superb ripeness on the mid-palate with dense, ripe black fruits, touches of blueberry and black plum with a touch of citrus orange in the background. The finish is very well defined and focused. Excellent – but it needs time. Tasted September 2008.

Wonderful aromas of blackberry, light spices and currant follow through to a full-bodied palate, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Still tannic and tight.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. James Suckling

This impeccably run, Japanese-owned property has fashioned a superb 1996. Opaque purple-colored, with a backward yet promising nose of classically pure cassis intermixed with pain grille and spice, this medium to full-bodied, powerful yet stylish wine possesses superb purity, a nicely-layered feel in the mouth, and plenty of structure. It will not be an early-drinking St.-Julien, but one to lay away and enjoy over the next 2-3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022.