1996 Pommard Les Epenots

Produced from vines planted in 1899, the dark-colored Pommard Epenots has deep black cherry, Asian spice, and gamey scents. This oily-textured, full-bodied, refined wine is more complex and profound than the Charmots, and nearly as seductive. Dense and rich, it is crammed with blackberries, plums, blueberries, red cherries, and earth. This muscular yet elegant offering should reach its peak of maturity by 2002, and can easily be cellared through 2007. A Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42-84-38-22), various American importers (starting with the 1997 vintage Laurent will be represented by a number of US importers/brokers, including Lesec, Jeffrey Davies, and Martin-Scott.