Dark ruby with surprising pink at the rim, the 1996 Trotanoy seems very tightly knit, with dusty tannins, hints of sweet and sour cherry fruit, finishing to a somewhat liquid minerality and spicy note. The wine has plenty of muscle, very high levels of tannin, but a somewhat unimpressive mid-palate. Whether it fleshes out remains to be seen, but I am somewhat doubtful. This wine seems to be increasingly less impressive. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Last tasted, 2/02.