Healthy ruby-red color. Raspberry, redcurrant, lead pencil, tobacco and flowers on the nose; suggestion of crystallized fruits. Sweet, expressive red berry flavors complicated by notes of coffee and subtle oak spice. Quite supple, with lovely depth of flavor for the vintage.

A classy, complex bouquet of lead pencil, mineral, earth, cassis, and flowers jumps from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-colored 1997. Evolved and elegant, with noticeable tannin, it exhibits both breed and class as well as moderate weight, excellent depth, purity, and symmetry. Enjoy it now and over the next 10-12 years ... at the minimum.

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot. Aged in French oak, 66% new. Transparent dark garnet. High-toned, the fruit is fading and the dryness of tannins is starting to dominate. A bit thin. It was probably reasonably charming (if expensive) in its youth. Light now. (JR)