1996 Trevallon

Good red-ruby. Nose initially dominated by spearmint, but opened to show superripe, almost raisiny aromas of roasted red fruits; with aeration this turned as exotic as a ripe-year Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape, with a strong note of strawberry eau de vie Sweet, thick flavors of cooked strawberry and berry skin; the minty quality returned after time in the glass, as did a dryness on the palate. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. A rather odd underripe/overripe wine for Trevallon, not in the same quality league as the '95 or '94.