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+.
