The 1996 Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places is very good, possibly excellent. The color is medium ruby/plum. Sweet red currant aromas intermixed with plums and raspberries are followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep, smoky wine with fine purity, spicy oak, and unobtrusive acid levels - particularly for a 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2007. Importer: Daniel Johnnes, Jeroboam, New York, NY; tel. (212) 625-2519