The 1995 Clerc-Milon, a 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc blend, reveals more tannin and grip than the 1996 (ironically, the 1995 has more of a 1996 vintage character, and vice versa for the 1996). This attractive dark ruby/purple-colored wine has impressive credentials, and may merit an outstanding score with another year or two in the bottle. It offers a gorgeous nose of roasted herbs, meats, cedar, cassis, spice, and vanillin. This dense, medium to full-bodied wine possesses outstanding levels of extract, plenty of glycerin, and a plush, layered, hedonistic finish. A luscious, complex wine, it reveals enough tannin and depth to warrant 15 or more years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2015. A sleeper.

Gorgeous aromas of black licorice, currant and blackberry. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very tight, yet with air it comes around wonderfully. Give it time. This was always one of the buys of the vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. 15,000 cases made. -JS