1996: My concerns about the 1996 Branaire turning out too tannic were unfounded. Tasted three times out of bottle, it is a textbook Branaire, with a tell-tale floral, raspberry, and black currant-scented nose intermixed with minerals and floral nuances. Elegant and pure, with surprising lushness and sweet, well-integrated tannin, this medium-bodied, finesse-styled wine should be at its finest between 2005-2018.

Lots of sweet tobacco, currant and cigar box character on the nose. Little herbal. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a light tobacco and fruit aftertaste.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. -JS