The 1996 Sauvignon de la Tour possesses more depth and intensity than the regular bottling, as well as more body and glycerin, making it easier to understand and appreciate. It reveals no evidence of wood, offering copious quantities of ripe melony, stringbean-like aromas and flavors in an attractive, pure style. It should drink well for 1-2 years.Readers who do not enjoy a pungent Sauvignon with that intense herbal, melony character, may want to avoid this effort from Villa Russiz.