This 1996 Valandraud has firmed up significantly since bottling. Unfined and unfiltered, this viscous wine displays the tell-tale thickness of color (saturated dark ruby/plum/purple). The wine's exotic bouquet is just beginning to form, offering up notes of iodine, roasted coffee, jammy black fruits, and pain grille. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin, terrific texture, and outstanding purity and length. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.

Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 1996 Valandraud has quite an ostentatious bouquet with copious menthol-tinged red fruit, light peppermint notes - all atypical for this growing season. It might by a little heady but it is feels nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with an impressive weight in the mouth, lightly spiced red berry fruit, quite ferrous, almost Pomerol-like with a focused brown spice-tinged finish that lingers nicely in the mouth. It loses some of its harmony towards the finish, becomes loose and lacks the depth of grip of the 1995 Valandraud. There are attractive, light tobacco and white pepper notes lingering on the aftertaste. Drink over the next 4-5 years. Tasted December 2016.

Aromas of plum and sweet tobacco, with hints of tarragon and basil. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a light fruity, green tobacco aftertaste.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 600 cases made. -JS