Vintage 1997 has already been recognized as exceptional within a decade of outstanding vintages, producing wines of deep concentration and rich tannins that promise longevity. The yields were generous, as were the flavors. Said vineyard manager Bob Steinhauer, everyone seems to have focused on the size of the crop, but I've been more impressed with the quality. We saw spectacular fruit across the varietals. The grapes for this wine were harvested from September 12 through October 11. Each year s...

Rating: 94/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 96, May/June 2001 Full red-ruby. Superripe aromas of plum, strawberry, tobacco and loam. Fat, thick, sweet and deep, with the wine huge weight gracefully supported by firm underlying backbone. A superripe, extremely long cabernet of great richness and depth. Built to age but showing spectacularly already.

Rating: (92-94) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 120 on Dec-98

Rating: 94/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate in Issue 132

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator

Rating for United States-California: 94 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>

blk fruit, leather, oak, spice, and chocolate