My favorite 1996 from Domaine Coche-Bizouard is the outstanding Meursault Charmes. Elegant aromas of white flowers and delicately laced minerals are followed by a super-deep, refined, ripe, bright, concentrated, complex, and medium-to-full-bodied character. Layers of liquid minerals and citrus zests can be found in this marvelous offering's flavor profile and also in its admirably long finish. Projected maturity: 2003-2008.The rating, with the range of scores in parentheses, indicates the wine was tasted from cask, not bottle.Coche believes in being both the last to harvest and the last to bottle, two philosophies that paid dividends in 1996. "The Coches prune short," was the proud reply to my question about yields. The wines were subjected to a regular batonnage every 8 days until January, and then once a month.Overall, these offerings have excellent richness and depth as well as vibrant and piercing acidity. If patiently cellared, I am convinced these beauties will blossom into delicious, complex, and highly nuanced wines.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel (202) 832-9083.