Saturated deep ruby. Ineffable aromas of black fruits, minerals, licorice and Havana tobacco. Rich, dense and thick; powerful but harmonious. Layered texture over a strong backbone. Very long on the palate, with thoroughly ripe, noble cabernet tannins. Superb.

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Healthy ruby. Some development on the nose with some exotic herbal notes. Sweet start and very dense. Very fine tannins. A bit more angular than some. Still admirably youthful.

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Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, this is a huge, backward wine. The 1996 possesses an opaque purple color, as well as pure aromatics consisting of cassis, grilled herbs, coffee, and toasty new oak. Massive in the mouth, and one of the most structured and concentrated young Cos d'Estournels I have ever tasted, this thick, structured, tannic wine has closed down significantly since bottling. It requires 7-8 years of cellaring, and should last for 30-35 years. It is a fabulous Cos, but patience is required.

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A classy and impressive young Bordeaux from an appellation that stepped up in '96. Dark-colored, with plenty of currant and spice aromas, the wine is full-bodied, with very velvety tannins and allspice, berry and currant flavors. Long, long finish. One of the wines of the vintage, it's a beauty. 26,000 cases made.

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Stellar, outsized nose on this wine. It's drinking we'll right now, but needs a good 90 mins to open. The nose is lavishly earthy, dried cherry and some cigar box. Flavors are layered, nuanced and it is mature. It may improve with more age but I think it's good to go right now. It's a medium bodied wine with classic flavors you'd expect. A real treat!