In the majority of vintages, red Chassagnes suffer from hard, rustic tannins. However, in 1996, I found a number of truly first rate wines offered from this village that is primarily renowned for its whites. The ruby-colored Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot is highly-impressive. Blackberry and mineral scents give way to a luscious and awesomely oily-textured character loaded with sweet red and black cherries. This wine also possesses a long and glycerin-filled finish that reveals soft, ripe tannins. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2004. The score, on a range and in parentheses, indicates that the wine was tasted from barrel. Vincent Girardin's 1996s are generally fresher and more supple than his 1995s, but are not as concentrated or structured. Since he personally prefers softer styled wines, Girardin prefers the 1996 vintage. My feeling is that many of his 1995s will develop better over time than these delicious mid-term drinking wine. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802

In the majority of vintages, red Chassagnes suffer from hard, rustic tannins. However, in 1996, I found a number of truly first rate wines offered from this village that is primarily renowned for its whites. The ruby-colored Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot is highly-impressive. Blackberry and mineral scents give way to a luscious and awesomely oily-textured character loaded with sweet red and black cherries. This wine also possesses a long and glycerin-filled finish that reveals soft, ripe tannins. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2004.The score, on a range and in parentheses, indicates that the wine was tasted from barrel.Vincent Girardin's 1996s are generally fresher and more supple than his 1995s, but are not as concentrated or structured. Since he personally prefers softer styled wines, Girardin prefers the 1996 vintage. My feeling is that many of his 1995s will develop better over time than these delicious mid-term drinking wine.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802