One of the vintage's superstars, this dark plum/purple-colored 1997 offers flamboyant, explosive aromas of vanillin, cherry jam, licorice, and new oak. Deep, concentrated, rich, and surprisingly chewy, this full-bodied, gorgeously concentrated and proportioned St.-Emilion will be hard to resist young. There is some tannin to be shed, but the wine is so ostentatious, it is impossible to ignore. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2014.

Medium red-ruby color. Smoke, red fruit, leather and animal fur on the slightly reduced nose. Ripe flavors of black cherry and mocha, complicated by a carnal, gamey quality. Supple, sweet, pliant and layered. Conveys an impression of lowish acidity and excellent ripeness for the vintage. Finishes with lovely persistence, notes of black cherry and shoe polish, and very fine tannins.