1996 Bonnes Mares

I loved this medium-to-dark ruby-colored wine. Earthy aromas of stones, minerals, blood, and blueberries can be found in this medium-to-full-bodied, tightly wound, sensual, and seductive wine. Seemingly unending layers of black raspberries, cherries, wild blueberries, tangy red currants, and fresh herbs can be found in this complex, rich, silky-textured, and profound wine. Its sublime finish, which provides the taster with yet another opportunity to witness this offering's gorgeous purity of fruit, has a firm yet supple backbone. An extraordinary Bonnes Mares! Projected maturity: 2003-2010+. Importer: Dreyfus Ashby, New York, NY; tel (212) 818-0770.

Dense and intense black fruit with plenty of character is followed by rich, big, tannic flavors that are robust, indeed almost rustic. This displays lots of backbone if not much finesse with a nice note of finishing complexity. In short, the '96 Bonnes Mares delivers solid if not truly exceptional quality in a package that will age for many years to come. Consistent notes. Allen Meadows, Burghound Oct01,2005

I loved this medium-to-dark ruby-colored wine. Earthy aromas of stones, minerals, blood, and blueberries can be found in this medium-to-full-bodied, tightly wound, sensual, and seductive wine. Seemingly unending layers of black raspberries, cherries, wild blueberries, tangy red currants, and fresh herbs can be found in this complex, rich, silky-textured, and profound wine. Its sublime finish, which provides the taster with yet another opportunity to witness this offering's gorgeous purity of fruit, has a firm yet supple backbone. An extraordinary Bonnes Mares! Projected maturity: 2003-2010+. Pierre Rovani, Wine Advocate # 118