Consistent with many of the better '96s, this is still completely primary with light spice and earth nuances adding depth to the very fresh red berry fruit aromas that precede racy, intense and impressively precise middle weight flavors that culminate in a solidly long and detailed finish. Though this is not an especially dense wine, it is very well balanced as the acidity does not dominate the finish. In a word, lovely. I had another bottle several years ago that did not show anywhere near the quality displayed by the domaine-stored example.