This is the first vintage in which Vincent Girardin is offering a Corton Renardes, and, judging from its quality, I hope there are many more to come. Medium-to-dark ruby-colored, this wine exhibits massive ripeness on the nose, displaying scents of raisins, prunes, and chocolate-covered cherries. The palate is no less ripe, offering loads of ripe black cherries, dark raspberries, and cassis, as well as a silky texture, and a full body. It does not have quite the depth or concentration of the Perrieres, but is so opulent, fruit-packed, and persistent in the finish as to deserve a equal rating. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2006. The score, on a range and in parentheses, indicates that the wine was tasted from barrel. Vincent Girardin's 1996s are generally fresher and more supple than his 1995s, but are not as concentrated or structured. Since he personally prefers softer styled wines, Girardin prefers the 1996 vintage. My feeling is that many of his 1995s will develop better over time than these delicious mid-term drinking wine. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802

This is the first vintage in which Vincent Girardin is offering a Corton Renardes, and, judging from its quality, I hope there are many more to come. Medium-to-dark ruby-colored, this wine exhibits massive ripeness on the nose, displaying scents of raisins, prunes, and chocolate-covered cherries. The palate is no less ripe, offering loads of ripe black cherries, dark raspberries, and cassis, as well as a silky texture, and a full body. It does not have quite the depth or concentration of the Perrieres, but is so opulent, fruit-packed, and persistent in the finish as to deserve a equal rating. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2006.The score, on a range and in parentheses, indicates that the wine was tasted from barrel.Vincent Girardin's 1996s are generally fresher and more supple than his 1995s, but are not as concentrated or structured. Since he personally prefers softer styled wines, Girardin prefers the 1996 vintage. My feeling is that many of his 1995s will develop better over time than these delicious mid-term drinking wine.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802