Potentially even better than the Meursault Charmes, the Meursault Perrieres reveals aromas of minerals and stones as well as a magnificently defined and focused core of gravel, spices, pears, and loads of minerals. This refined and elegant wine's precision, purity, and delineation are something to behold. It is medium-to-full-bodied, lively, silky-textured and possesses a persistent finish that seems to go on forever. The score, noted on a range and in parentheses, indicates that the wine was tasted from barrel. Vincent Bitouzet has produced wonderful 1996s. Whereas his white 1995s were luscious and opulent (ideal for near-term drinking), Bitouzet crafted refined and elegant '96s built for the long-haul. Importer: Neal Rosenthal, Select Vineyard, Shekomeko, NY; tel (800) 910-1990.