Twenty wines have been blended to convey the characteristics of the 1996 harvest, and to create this full-bodied and authentic wine. The generosity of this assemblage built on its delicacy and vivacity is revealed by its ageing in the cellar. The 1996 harvest is a vintage marked by early flowering. Early budding and a hot thundery spring permitted quick flowering, which was completed by the first fortnight of June. Despite very early average temperatures, the summer was remarkable for its sunshine and dryness until the beginning of the harvest (September 10th). The later start of the rains did nothing to affect the quality of the harvest.