1996 Charmail

This intriguingly made wine (it enjoys a two-week pre-fermentation cold maceration) exhibits an opaque black/purple color, sweet black berry, raspberry and cassis fruit, medium to full body, luxuriant, hedonistic, smoky, jammy fruit flavors, and copious quantities of sweet tannin. A severe selection has resulted in a Merlot-dominated wine that includes 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: now-2010.