A light-bodied, medium-weight Clos Rene, the 1996 clearly reveals some of the problems Pomerol vintners experienced because of the heavy rains that fell in late August and during the third week of September. Clos Rene's 1996 displays a medium ruby color, and sweet berry fruit in the nose that is reminiscent of Zinfandel. The wine possesses decent concentration and purity, but there is not a lot to it. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.