1997 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L
1997 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L
Member only
LoginThis wine has a brilliant ruby red color of considerable depth. The aromas give impressions of smoke and cedar wood. It is developing a bouquet that is becoming more truffle-like and earthy with age. In the mouth, the wine displays a round and full entry on the palate with broad and soft tannins. The evolution of its flavors leaves a rich and velvety impression with a firm finish. A wholly satisfying year, and a vintage that is appealing at any stage of its long life.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Appellation: Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley – Estate Grown & Bottled
Assemblage: Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 3%
Élevage: 22 months in new French oak
Winemaker’s Comments
Winemaker’s Comments
Blackberries and a hint of fig marry with rich toffee and cigar box aromas with flecks of black pepper and spice. An earthy nuance blends well with the minerality of the mountain terroir. A mouth-filling attack is accentuated by notes of black cherry, anise and cassis. A solid structure laced to a prominent acid backbone gives this wine both life and longevity. Pretty notes of red fruit and cola meander through a lengthy finish. Decant about one hour prior to service to allow the great complexity of this wine to express. Near its peak, but with several years of life remaining. Care should be taken when removing the cork.
Vineyards: La Perla 52%, Chevalier 24%, Miravalle 15%, Alba 9%
Additional Notes
Additional Notes
Simply put, this is a great vintage. This wine is big, full bodied, and intense in flavor. 1997 was a warm year on Spring Mountain with unusually large fluctuations between day and night temperatures. Early ripening grapes bestowed rich colors, tannins, and a strong varietal character. This was the first year we had access to all the La Perla fruit which expanded our production and brought wonderful new lots into our wine inventory. Grapes from each of the four vineyard properties are considered as we select the lots to be used in our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The multitude of top quality lots with distinctly different attributes allows us to be extremely selective in making the final blend. The result is a true Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the unique growing conditions of the Spring Mountain growing district.
