Displaying a brilliant, dark ruby with traces of purple color and an enthralling violet, cherry, raspberry, cassis, rose blossom, and grilled oak-scented nose, this wine is a stunner. This velvety-textured, full-bodied, superbly-balanced, refined, powerful, and intense wine is filled with highly detailed - yet explosive - plump cherries, blackberries, and plums. It is one of those magnificent red Burgundies that seemingly combine the muscle and strength of a body-builder with the grace and elegance of a ballerina. It possesses enormous depth of fat, sumptuous, and deeply ripe fruits that drench its substantial yet supple tannins. This prodigiously long wine offers red currants, raspberries, Asian spices, and new wood flavors in its spectacular finish. It should be at its peak between 2004 and 2012+. Bravo! Represented by Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel (908) 771-9082. Various Importers, including V.O.S. Selections, NY; Fedway, NJ; Classic Wines, MA; Glazers, TX; Vintage Wines, IL; De Gustibus Imports, WA. Also a Peter Vezan Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42-65-42-93).

Deep red-ruby. Knockout nose combines raspberry, violet, coffee, licorice, spice and smoky oak. Superb richness and volume without excessive weight. Thick for a '96, but kept bright by tangy Oriental spices and a lively floral nuance. Extremely long on the aftertaste, with noble tannins. Classy juice.