I have been offered the chance to buy some of this for $199 and maybe less. However, these wines are out of my tasting experience. Anyone had the 96 recently? How is it and is it worth buying at that price?

a place in new jersey is currently selling the 96 cb for about $165 plus tax and i thought it was still too high. 96 was a difficult vintage on the right bank.

I wouldn't buy it at any price.
from
Cheval Blanc
vertical tasting last March:

1996 Chateau Cheval Blanc
Light, the "weakest link" of the flight."