Immature ruby.   Compact, kingly and still somewhat aloof.  Aristocratic black fruit and spice, poised and with a certain brooding reserve.  Very fine, ripe, well-covered tannin.  Most expressive at the end with a lapidary, calcaire freshness.   Such a structured vintage, ’96.   And while this Bèze is not consumed by it only time can hone and manifest what will become a great wine.  Ideally wait until its 30th birthday; the ramparts will have given way by then.  Now – 2030+.