I generally find Cantenac-Brown too tough-textured, tannic, and dry. Therefore, I am happy to say the 1996, while tannic, looks to be one of the better balanced efforts to emerge from this estate. The color is a deep ruby/purple. The wine offers simple but pleasing aromas of black currants, licorice, and vanillin. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied, powerful, muscular, somewhat foursquare, but mouthfilling and rich. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015. Last tasted, 3/02.