Rating: 95/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 90, May/June 2000. Saturated ruby-red. Multidimensional nose offers a panoply of scents: black plum, currant, leather, smoked meat, cigar ash, lead pencil, sandalwood, dark chocolate, licorice, brown sugar. Very bright and sharply defined; flavors of plum, leather, hot stones and lead pencil. An impeccably balanced wine of compelling sweetness, but rather dominated today by its structure. Strong, thoroughly ripe tannins spread out to coat the entire palate. Very long and subtle. This was bottled last June, a couple months later than the Napanook wine.

The 1997 Napanook has a deep garnet color with a nose reminiscent of red currant and ripe cherries with hints of mint. Its elegant structure is complimented by a round, lush texture and a long finish. The high percentage of Cabernet Franc and Merlot provide the wine its suppleness and its fresh and complex nose. The wine is enjoyable to drink now or within the next decade. Christian Moueix recommends decanting this wine before serving it to develop its full potential.