1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
With an attention seeking nose of incense, cherry blossoms, licorice and fresh, black cherry liqueur, you’re already hooked. On the palate, the wine is elegant, refined, lush, supple and polished. There is a freshness to the perfectly ripe fruit and a silky, sweet, sixty second, cherry finish. The wine matches elegance with balance. This is not overripe, massive or from the too much is a good thing school. Everything is exactly where it needs to be, except the price. Such is life. 100 Points
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium ruby. Complex, individual nose combines black raspberry, cassis, blood orange, cocoa powder, bitter chocolate, smoke and earth. Intensely flavored, fresh and sharply delineated, with notes of cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate and meat, and strong oakiness. Leaner than the '96 at a similar stage, but grew a bit denser and sweeter with aeration. Finishes rather oaky, with firm tannins and very good length. Conveys a strong impression of terroir, but I don't yet find the texture or depth of the best vintages of Screaming Eagle.
It doesn't get any better than 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon, a perfect wine. Representing the essence of cassis liqueur intermixed with blackberries, minerals, licorice, and toast, this full-bodied, multi-dimensional classic is fabulous, with extraordinary purity, symmetry, and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. It has the overall equilibrium to evolve for nearly two decades, but it will be hard to resist upon release.
Medium ruby. Complex, individual nose combines black raspberry, cassis, blood orange, cocoa powder, bitter chocolate, smoke and earth. Intensely flavored, fresh and sharply delineated, with notes of cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate and meat, and strong oakiness. Leaner than the '96 at a similar stage, but grew a bit denser and sweeter with aeration. Finishes rather oaky, with firm tannins and very good length. Conveys a strong impression of terroir, but I don't yet find the texture or depth of the best vintages of Screaming Eagle.
About the producer
Screaming Eagle is one of the Napa Valley’s original cult Cabernets. Right from the first release, the now iconic producer garnered huge scores and a fanatic following.