Exhibiting a dark plum color, the 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape reveals an intriguing nose of incense, pepper, licorice, and ripe black cherry fruit. Traditionally-styled, with considerable muscle, rustic tannin, and medium to full body, this is an attractive, robust Chateauneuf to drink now and over the next 5-7 years. Proprietor Jean-Claude Mestre fashions traditional, old style Chateauneuf du Papes that have much in common with the wines of Pegau and Henri Bonneau. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173