From the winery

A beautiful vintage. A growing year where the final five months of ripening were all generously warm with cool nights. Typically our growing district sees several temperature “spikes” which will deliver temperatures above 108 degrees. During the entire ripening period of 1997, very few “spikes” occurred — daily temperature highs averaged from 92 to 96 degrees during each month, May through September. This is the primary reason why 1997 was an excellent vintage in all fine wine regions of California.

This wine was produced by Chuck Wagner; however, the final blend of the several barrel lots was assembled by Chris Phelps.

Tasting notes by Chris Phelps, Enologist/Winemaker

Opaque, with deep ruby-red edges, even the sight of this wine is enticing. Very deep, rich cassis fruit, enmeshed in a smoky, mineral background, dominates the nose. Pure cassis extract is also present on the palate; a sweet entry yields to a firmly tannic, yet generous and amazingly long finish. Finely grained tannins give a sensuous texture to the wine. A rich, smoky spice character emerges in the aftertaste. A very complete, unctuous wine. Muscular and intensely concentrated, it nevertheless manages to display perfect balance. This wine will age for two decades effortlessly.

Release date: September 2000