Very deep color. Sappy black fruit, chocolate and licorice nose complicated by franc-like suggestions of chocolate and tobacco leaf. Very rich, sweet and layered, but bright and sharply defined. A seamless wine with subtle but explosive fruit that resonates on the firmly tannic finish. As good a showing as I can recall for Tony Soter own cabernet.

Community Tasting Notes (average 91 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 27 notes)

Rating: (92-95) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 114 on Dec-97

Rating: 87/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 01/01/07

Rating for United States-California: 90 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>