This ruby-colored wine reveals candied red cherry, rosemary, and stone aromatics that lead to a medium-bodied, beautifully ripe, well-delineated, and fresh personality. Complex flavors of earth, minerals, assorted sweet red fruits, and fresh herbs can be found in its flavor profile and supple finish. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2005. Roumier informed me he was planning to bottle his 1996s earlier than usual to "trap the fruit." He is of the opinion that they will not be exuberant, charming, and seductive following bottling. Virtually every vigneron agreed that the 1996s have been a delight to drink from the moment the grapes were pressed. Yet Roumier thinks they will need years to be expressive. Those 1996s that I have tasted stateside have maintained their forward, fruity character, but time will tell. Importer: Chateaux and Estates Wine Co., New York, NY; Tel; (212) 572-7725.