As I had optimistically hoped, Fieuzal's 1996 has fleshed out its mid-palate. It exhibits a saturated purple color, in addition to an intense charcoal, smoky, mineral, and black fruit-scented nose. Highly-extracted and rich, with a sweet, concentrated mid-palate, and plenty of muscle and tannin in the moderately long finish, this backward yet promising Fieuzal should last for two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

Tough, and tightly constructed. Plenty of crushed-berry character with hints of tobacco and mushroom. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a dark-chocolate aftertaste. Slightly dry on the finish from the masses of tannin. Best after 2002. 7,000 cases made. -JS