Displaying a lively, rich, pear compote and mineral-laden nose, the Corton-Charlemagne soars with terrific richness, amazing focus, class and exquisite balance. This full-bodied, highly intricate, and oily-textured wine is filled with peaches, minerals and white flowers that seem to last forever in this gem's exceedingly long finish. Girardin's only white grand cru, it combines the depth of ripe fruit expected from a first-rate Corton-Charlemagne from a ripe year, with the precision and focus that is 1996's trademark. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2010+. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802. Note: Vincent Girardin sells wines under the Baron de la Charriere label to European Cellars (Eric Solomon, tel (212) 924-4949). The wines marked with an asterisk (*) indicate that the same vineyard designation can be found through European Cellars, but the wine may not be the same as those listed here as Eric Solomon selects his barrels.