The excellent 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape has admirably survived its bottling. The wine exhibits a medium deep ruby color, and an open-knit, expansive nose of pepper, fruitcake, spice, and black cherry fruit. In the mouth, a kirsch component emerges, and while not complex, the wine is richly fruity, generous, and ideal for drinking over the next 5-7 years. It is a shame restaurants do not serve more wines such as this. Consistently one of the high quality Chateauneuf du Pape estates, Domaine de Beaurenard has turned in this impressive effort in this lighter year. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625