Production of the 1996 Clos Erasmus was only 300 cases, but this is a dark ruby/purple-colored wine with a spicy, oak-driven nose intermixed with black cherry and raspberry fruit notes. Spicy and dominated by wood at present, it is full-bodied, rich, and promising. Yields were a mere 18 hectoliters per hectare. This wine requires 2-4 more years of cellaring, and should drink well for 10-15 years. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, New York, NY; tel. (212) 924-4949