Impressive deep ruby. Slightly jammy aromas of cassis, licorice, dark chocolate and smoky, toasty oak. Sweet, dense and supple; fresh for the vintage. The ripe tannins hit the palate quite late.

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Full-on opulence with no shortage of sweet fruit but structure as well. This is expressive Merlot, has always been one of Beringer's trump cards and has a way to go.

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The 1996 Merlot Bancroft Ranch was showing much better when I tasted it this year than it did eleven months earlier. The wine boasts a saturated purple color, as well as an exquisite nose of brandy-infused black cherries intermixed with melted chocolate. Dense and full-bodied, with striking sweetness and purity, this full-bodied, multi-layered Merlot has developed beautifully. Although it will benefit from another 4-5 years of bottle age, it can be drunk now, or cellared. It will keep for 15 years.

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Supple and well proportioned, with earthy currant, cedar, spice, coffee and anise flavors, turning elegant and polished on the finish. 7,000 cases made.

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Earthy sandy tones. Medium finish. Soft black fruit.