Valette's 1996 Macon-Chaintré Vieilles Vignes is still drinking beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of honeycomb, wildflowers, mandarin oil, toasted nuts and fresh mushroom. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with a textural attack, excellent concentration and a racy spine of acidity.

Revealing expressive stone and mineral aromas, the Macon-Chaintre Vieilles Vignes is an intense, concentrated, thickly-textured, and powerful wine. Layers of tightly-wound lemons and liquid minerals are found in this impressive wine's flavor profile. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2003.Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Fran Kysela, Winchester, VA; tel (540) 722-9228.