1996 Jacques Cacheux et Fils - Vosne-Romanee La Croix Rameau 1er Cru

This wine is medium-to-dark ruby-colored and exhibits a nose composed of violets and candied black cherries and raspberries. On the palate, this powerful, masculine, highly-structured, and intense wine offers loads of blackberries, brambleberries, fresh herbs, and toasted oak. Presently quite firm, this offering's copious (yet soft) tannins will melt with cellaring. Projected maturity: 2002-2007. Why this estate has not attracted more attention from lovers of red Burgundy escapes me. Readers are well-advised to make an effort to find its fairly priced and delicious wines. A Peter Vezan Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42-65-42-93), a Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42-84-38-22), various American importers. Also imported by Atherton Wine Imports, Atherton, CA; tel (415) 328-6639.