According to Jacques Prieur, the yields on the Corton-Charlemagne were lower than average because its south-facing vines had a successful early first flowering, but subsequent flowers were aborted by cool weather. Its mouth-watering, rich, and deep nose reveals marvelous ripeness (Prieur stated that the '96 is the ripest Corton he has produced since he started with the 1992 vintage), sweet pears, white peaches, and minerals. On the palate, this massive, full-bodied, and thick wine boasts waves of super-ripe white fruits, earth, mineral, and toast flavors. It is an awesomely powerful yet focused offering that should age effortlessly. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2010. The score, noted on a range and in parentheses, indicates that the wine was tasted from barrel. I was extremely impressed with Prieur's three top wines, the Meursault Perrieres, Corton-Charlemagne, and Montrachet, which are at a level only attained by the very best Burgundian estates. Imported by William Deutsch and Sons, Armonk, NY; Tel. (914) 273-1221.