While the 1996 exhibited signs of sur-maturite, it did not possess the Banyuls-like character of his 1995. Black/purple-colored and bursting with super-ripe red fruits and plums, this is a thick, massive, full-bodied, and lavishly rich wine. Its velvety-textured and structured core is crammed with layers of sweet cherries, blackberries, and cassis, as well as loads of magnificently supple tannins. Formidably long and pure in its finish, there is no doubting the superb quality of this Pommard. Projected maturity: 2002-2009. The Pommard Les Rugiens, produced from vines that are over 80 years old, is consistently my favorite red wine from Chez Boillot. When I visited Jean-Marc Boillot's Pommard estate he had just finished assembling his reds in preparation for bottling. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802.