The 1996 Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers reveals evidence of aging in toasty oak. Having enjoyed six weeks of maceration, the wine is dense purple-colored, and fuller-bodied than the Cotes du Rhone Belleruche and the Crozes-Hermitage Petite Ruche, with sweeter, more expansive, spicy, olive-scented and flavored cassis fruit. It possesses the vintage's tell-tale acidity, which should serve to keep it fresh and lively.