($63-$75) Saturated ruby-red. Pure, highly perfumed aromas of black cherry, currant, plum, minerals, tobacco, leather and fresh herbs. Very ripe, suave and spicy; at once subtle and gripping. Lovely cabernet character dominating today. Very firm, long finish is youthful but not hard-edged. Showing extremely well.

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The 1996 may not be as profound as I had predicted from cask, but it is an exceptional wine. Dark ruby-colored, with a complex nose of dried herbs, Asian spices, and black cherry jam intermixed with cassis, it possesses outstanding purity, and considerable tannin in the finish. This classic, medium to full-bodied, traditionally made wine improves dramatically with airing, suggesting it will have a very long life.

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Aromas of blackberry, currant, strawberry, tar and mint. Medium- to full-bodied, with a polished and caressing texture. Not as good as the great '95, but excellent. This chewy yet closed wine needs years to come around.

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Drank a mini vertical of '95 and '96 Calon Segur. Both wines were amazing, but in different ways. The '95 seemed bolder, whereas the '96 was mellower.