The 1996 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Malconsorts has a deep brick color. The nose is standoff-ish at first, checking you out before agreeing to scents of black fruit, wild heather and a touch of licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and is nicely focused, although it is not as complex as more recent vintages and the oak is a little conspicuous towards the sinewy and rather foursquare finish. Tasted June 2014.