Saturated deep ruby. Pungent, superripe aromas of cassis, blueberry, minerals and brown spices. A step up in flavor intensity and density. Lovely combination of sweet fruit and solid acid/tannin backbone. Quite firm and extremely long on the aftertaste. An outstanding early showing for this wine.

As for the 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, this wine seems more subdued than it did last year and might be going through a relatively closed stage. As it sat in the glass, it took on an almost Ducru-Beaucaillou or Leoville-Las Cases St.-Julien-like character, with notes of minerals, cedar wood, black currants, tobacco, and spice. This is a rich, dark ruby/purple-colored wine with very complex aromatics, medium to full body, tight structure and plenty of tannin in the finish. There are 20,000 cases. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.