More saturated ruby-red. Deep, enticing aromas of black raspberry, dark chocolate and spicy oak; shows an almost roasted ripeness. Big, sweet and rich; a rather powerful style of La Lagune, with urgent intensity of flavor. Lovely inner-mouth aromatics. Finishes very long, with harmonious, ripe tannins.

This is a tannic, austere 1996, but it is well-endowed. Copious aromas of spicy new oak are present in the moderately intense bouquet, as well as cherry notes intertwined with dried herbs. The wine is medium-bodied and well-made, with good spice, a slight austerity, and moderate tannin in the long finish. In many vintages La Lagune can be drunk at an early age, but this effort will require 5-6 years of patience. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018.

The 1996 La Lagune has an austere and earthy bouquet where you cry out for more fruit, although it offers a little more definition than the 1995 La Lagune. The palate is medium-bodied with light and grainy tannin. Sure, there is a little more body than the 1995 but it remains very linear and correct, lacking the complexity than modern vintages. It needs something interesting to say. Tasted at the La Lagune vertical at the château.

Mid crimson. Slightly weak rim. Fully evolved, not desperately layered nose. Rather dry tannins on the finish. As ready as it will ever be probably as the fruit is not especially intense. (JR)