1997 Proprietary Red H Block
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Red Wine H Block is one of the better wines of this era, only because it has just enough energy to stand up to the new oak. Tobacco, torrefaction, leather and heavy toast signatures are evident. Compact and lacking in freshness, the 1997 is best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(81% cabernet franc and 19% merlot): Medium red-ruby; still bright. Explosive, lively aromas of raspberry and redcurrant lifted by a floral element; impressively fruit-driven for a 14-year-old red. Then wonderfully sweet and seamless on the palate, boasting outstanding breadth and vinosity. There's some leathery funk here, as there is in the '96, '98, '99, and '00 (all these vintages were made at Luna), but here it's just another element of a very complex wine. Finishes with superb length and uncommon structure for the year.