1996 Domaine Perrot Minot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

“This dark ruby-colored wine has a mulberry, black raspberry, blueberry, earth, briar, and roasted oak-laden nose. This is a soft, sweet, supple, full-bodied, powerful, thickly-textured, gorgeously concentrated, and seductive offering. Crammed with candied cherries, mushrooms, and fresh herbs, and refined, it has extraordinary richness, and a superbly long, suave, and focused finish. (PR)” (08/1998)

“Deep red-ruby. Very complex aromas of sweet black cherry, licorice, mocha and subtle oak. The sweetest and most voluminous of these '96s; easier to taste today than the Mazoyeres. Thick and full yet light on its feet. Palate-staining finish, with the tannins buried by cherry and black raspberry fruit. (ST)” (03/1999)

“A pretty if moderately macerated red fruit nose that is still quite fresh and bright combines with elegant and precise medium full flavors that offer acceptable density in the context of the vintage yet are impressively complex and fine. This is by no means a big wine, indeed the palate impression is more premier than grand cru yet there is that extra element of depth that makes this interesting if not truly distinguished. While this could certainly be drunk now, it clearly is still on the way up and I would be inclined to allow another 2 to 4 years of bottle age first.” (07/2005)

“Beautiful from start to finish, bursting at the seams with clean and fresh berry flavors accented by toasted oak and spicy notes that give complexity. Refined tannins make it accessible young. Delicious, if not as impressive as when tasted from barrel. (PM)” (02/1999)