Intense ruby core. Pink rim. Delicate floral nose. Very complex. Rich palate, quite forward with notes of sweet cherry, strawberry, spice and a dash of white pepper. Complex, long finish. Probably just a tad better than the 1995. Excellent. Drink over 10 years. Tasted February 1999.

The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti fashioned outstanding '96s and while this will not challenge the dominance of its more esteemed stable mates, it is clearly a lovely effort. The expressive nose displays lovely spice and violet aromas that offer more elegance and finesse than usual and lead to rich, sweet and moderately structured flavors supported by bright but not aggressive acidity and excellent finishing persistence. I quite like the '96 Ech and while it could be approached now with the right food, it would be better to let this slumber in the cellar for another 5 to 8 years before drinking over the following decade.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 31/08/1998 This medium-to-dark ruby-colored wine has gorgeous floral, perfumed, spicy, and refined aromatics. Its medium-bodied and silky-textured palate offers a fabulous burst of sweet cherries, candied strawberries, and violets. This lively, highly-defined wine also possesses a firm, supple-tannined structure that should allow it to age gracefully for years. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2008. ()

This medium-to-dark ruby-colored wine has gorgeous floral, perfumed, spicy, and refined aromatics. Its medium-bodied and silky-textured palate offers a fabulous burst of sweet cherries, candied strawberries, and violets. This lively, highly-defined wine also possesses a firm, supple-tannined structure that should allow it to age gracefully for years. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2008. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661.

Good red-ruby. Currant, red plum, wild strawberry, tobacco and tar on the nose, plus a faint gamey quality. Juicy and penetrating, but quite closed today. Very persistent on the finish, but the tannins are a bit tough. Conveys an impression of rather vigorous extraction.