Medium ruby-red – still some cherry at the rim. The nose is a little unusual to start – freshly struck matches – not uncommon in whites, but rather rarer in reds. Slowly this dissipates to reveal sweet, meaty fruit of some depth. Very good texture and reasonable concentration, but the overall impression is mainly one of tartness coupled to medium length. None of the astringent tannins of the vintage but could still be better.

Drunk directly after the 1999 Barthod Bourgogne Rouge. Medium ruby red. The nose is sweet red cherry with just a little extra secondary dimension. I remember that this was quite acidic on release but has padded out beautifully – if anything it’s now just a little fat. There is tasty fruit and a nice finish. Doesn’t have the extra dimension of a good villages, but a very nice wine in it’s own right – there’s no rush to drink these.

Medium ruby with a little amber at the rim. High tones over plummy and red fruit. Nice weight to the palate, actually quite silky with good acidity. The fruit is red in complexion and of medium length. I’ve really appreciated these ’95’s, perhaps it’s time to take the ’96’s out from storage!

Despite the abuse – as I pressed down my Screwpull, there was a plop, then a splash and then there was no cork, the mouldy-topped thing disappeared into the bottle – this showed quite well. The colour is medium-plus ruby red with a rim of amber. The nose is like a subdued raspberry pie, though with a less nice dusty, flour-type note behind. The palate is soft – though still furry tannin can be found – if you search. Ample fruit for the appelation, and good acidity. Not quite as exciting as last years bottle but well balanced and drinking well.

Still a deep and young looking ruby colour. The nose is a simply gorgeous blend of predominantly raspberry fruit plus other red berries and cherries. On release I remember this wine to be quite unforgiving and a bit acidic, 4 years has worked a little magic and the palate is now quite fat with lovely cherry fruit. Perhaps there’s still a slightly harsh edge to the acidity – which is not unlike many 1996’s today – but this certainly improved with aeration. Still a young and very classy wine, reminds me of a very good premier cru Savigny.

Medium ruby colour, fading to amber. The nose is a deep cherry pie affair and initially a little ‘farmyard’ but this fades after 2-3 minutes. The surprisingly fat palate shows good acidity, almost faded tannins and plenty of raspberry fruit. Probably reaching its peak right now – fabulous Bourgogne.

Deep ruby core, fading to amber. Nose of baked plums, tea and soil with rose petals at the top-end – very impressive. Good acidity and still reasonable tannin. The palate is medium concentration, and shows almost ‘orangey’ fruit. The finish is reasonably long but ends on a bitter note. Actually pretty good.