The 1996 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes, originally rated a whopping 92-95, was a disheartening wine to re-visit after bottling. It exhibits a somewhat dark color and has a muted nose that only revealed some strawberry scents after considerable coaxing. This is an oily-textured, medium-bodied, well-balanced, and persistent wine, yet its flavors are dominated by earth, gravel, and underbrush. I have no idea what happened to the "layers of blackberries, cherries, cassis, mocha, and fresh herbs" I had tasted 12 months before. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802.