The 1996 Durfort-Vivens is well worth seeking out. Plenty of dark berry fruit mixes with singed leather and pine on the nose, a touch of mint surfacing with time. This is nicely delineated, with a hint of capsicum emerging later. The palate is medium-bodied, nicely balanced with finer tannins than many vintages in the following decade. Yes, it has dried a little with age but has rustic charm and cohesion. Drinking perfectly now, I probably would not leave this too much longer. Tasted at the Durfort-Vivens dinner at Portland restaurant. -- Neal Martin