The 1996 appears to be one of Monbrison's finer efforts over recent years, although several samples exhibited a slight cardboard-like character in the nose that could have been the result of defective corks. Assuming this is not an intrinsic problem, the wine offers a deep ruby/purple color, medium body, attractively ripe fruit, and an elegant, restrained, noteworthy format. Give this wine 4-5 years of cellaring, and drink it over the subsequent 12-15.