(Richebourg- Domaine Méo-Camuzet) I have long been a fan of Jean-Nicolas Méo’s 1996 Richebourg and the wine acquitted itself very nicely at our tasting. The bouquet is deep, pure and still youthful, but also stunning in its potential, as it wafts from the glass in a complex array of black plums, red and black cherries, raw cocoa, Vosne spices, a complex base of soil, duck and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and quite refined in profile, with a lovely core, great soil signature, ripe, suave tannins, tangy acids and beautiful balance on the long and moderately tannic finish. Great juice in the making- just add more time. (Drink between 2025-2075)John Gilman | 96 JGThis wine is medium-to-dark ruby-colored and displays a flattering nose of deeply intensely red and black fruits, and hints of mint-laced chocolate. Its magnificent personality has gorgeous definition, a full body, and spectacularly rich and fat cherry fruit. This highly concentrated, profound, harmonious, exceedingly classy, and superbly-balanced wine has a formidably long and supple finish that reveals loads of oak-imbued, juicy, and popping (the French would say croquant) red and black fruits. Wow! Drink this gem between 2004 and 2012.The village appellation offerings from Vosne and Nuits have the lowest pHs (3.35) of Meo’s wines (the rest are between 3.45 and 3.5).Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 93-95 RPRipe and balanced, offering wet earth, mineral, smoke and red berry complexity, this is superbly intense on the finish, with a round, velvety mouthfeel. Grows on you as it kicks into high gear, rockets to a beautiful finish. This grand cru from Jean-Nicolas Méo tastes sweeter and more hedonistic than his minerally Clos de Vougeot, but both get the same classic rating. Best after 2007.Wine Spectator | 95 WSLess deeply colored than some of Meo’s other ’96s. Wonderfully complex, perfumed aromas of cassis and bitter chocolate. The sweetest of all these ’96s, with superb violet and dark berry inner-mouth perfume. Lovely balance. Finishes firmly tannic and very long. Seems less tough than the Cros Parantoux and even more charming than the Brulees. Lovely integration of oak.Vinous Media | 93+ VM(Domaine Méo-Camuzet ’ Richebourg Richebourg Grand Cru Red) There is an interesting menthol character to the still agreeably fresh and bright aromas of red and blue pinot fruit that display only the barest traces of secondary development along with wet stone, spice, earth and leather hints. The palate impression is really quite supple yet the hallmark tension and precision typical of the ’96 vintage is very much present and not surprisingly the mineral character is much stronger here than it is in the ’97. The cool, clean and still moderately firm finish is especially intense and persistent with impeccable balance. Overall, this offers good power without undue weight in a refined and elegant style. In terms of maturity, while this is approaching its majority and could certainly be enjoyed now I would advise a few more years of patience. Consistent notes. (Drink starting 2016)Burghound | 93 BH