Vintage - Vinrare - Buy Fine Wine Online - Fine Wines International

1996 Williams Selyem Hirsch California (750ml)

$109.00

Wine Spectator 88

"Firm, with chewy tannins and a core of flavors built around wild berry, black cherry, sage, mineral and spice. Best from 2000 through 2006."

1996 Williams Selyem Hirsch California (750ml)

$109.00

Wine Spectator 88

"Firm, with chewy tannins and a core of flavors built around wild berry, black cherry, sage, mineral and spice. Best from 2000 through 2006."

1996 Williams Selyem Riverblock Vineyard California (750ml)

$147.00

Wine Spectator 90

Boasts a complex, intriguing array of ripe plum, cherry, cola, spice and anise, not especially dense but distinctive and elegant, long on the finish.

1996 Williams Selyem Riverblock Vineyard California (750ml)

$147.00

Wine Spectator 90

Boasts a complex, intriguing array of ripe plum, cherry, cola, spice and anise, not especially dense but distinctive and elegant, long on the finish.

1996 Yquem (375ml)

$201.00

Robert Parker 95

Compared with the flamboyant aromatics of the 1997, Yquem's 1996 plays it closer to the vest, although there is a lot going on. Light gold with a tight but promising nose of roasted hazelnuts intermixed with creme brulee, vanilla beans, honey, orange marmalade, and peaches, this medium to full-bodied offering reveals loads of power in its restrained, measured personality. There is admirable acidity, weight, texture, and purity in this impeccably made Yquem.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 96

Tasted single blind at Farr?s 2005 dinner in Hong Kong. It is a while since I last tasted this vintage. Like before, the nose is tightly coiled and demands coaxing from the glass, but eventually it yields and offers a lovely bouquet of wild honey, honeysuckle, lemon curd and barleysugar. The palate is more tensile then I remember on the entry, with a keen thread of acidity and notes of mandarin, Seville orange, tinned apricot and honey, hints of almond sprinkled over the finish. It does not quite have the complexity of a top flight Yquem, but it is still a great Sauternes for long-term consideration. Tasted November 2011.

1996 Yquem (375ml)

$201.00

Robert Parker 95

Compared with the flamboyant aromatics of the 1997, Yquem's 1996 plays it closer to the vest, although there is a lot going on. Light gold with a tight but promising nose of roasted hazelnuts intermixed with creme brulee, vanilla beans, honey, orange marmalade, and peaches, this medium to full-bodied offering reveals loads of power in its restrained, measured personality. There is admirable acidity, weight, texture, and purity in this impeccably made Yquem.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 96

Tasted single blind at Farr?s 2005 dinner in Hong Kong. It is a while since I last tasted this vintage. Like before, the nose is tightly coiled and demands coaxing from the glass, but eventually it yields and offers a lovely bouquet of wild honey, honeysuckle, lemon curd and barleysugar. The palate is more tensile then I remember on the entry, with a keen thread of acidity and notes of mandarin, Seville orange, tinned apricot and honey, hints of almond sprinkled over the finish. It does not quite have the complexity of a top flight Yquem, but it is still a great Sauternes for long-term consideration. Tasted November 2011.

1997 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT (750ml)

List Price: ~~$73.00~~ Our Price: $65.00

$65.00

Wine Spectator 92

"This Veneto red is glorious and rich, yet sophisticated. Dark ruby color, it emits aromas of raisins and berries, and hints of cocoa and spice. It's full-bodied, with chewy yet velvety tannins and a long, long finish."

Robert Parker 90

"An outstanding effort is the 1997 Palazzo della Torre. This dark ruby/purple-colored wine is full-bodied, dense, with Rhone-like beef blood and garrigue (that blend of earth and dried Provencal herbs) scents intertwined with copious quantities of black cherry and currant fruit. Rich, chewy, and impressive, it was aged in large 2,000 and 8,000 liter Slavonian wood foudres. Drink it over the next decade."

1997 Altesino Brunello (750ml)

List Price: ~~$101.00~~ Our Price: $95.00

$95.00

Robert Parker 91

Altesino's medium to full-bodied 1997 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a dense ruby/garnet color in addition to aromas of creosote, new saddle leather, figs, plums, dried herbs, and white flowers. It is a meaty, complex, accessible, concentrated yet still young, vigorous Brunello with good underlying acidity and moderate tannin. It can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years.

Wine Spectator 91

Wonderfully floral aromas, with plenty of ripe fruit and hints of minerals and spices. Full-bodied and chunky, with well-intergrated tannins and along finish. Fresh and refined.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

Dark garnet with a ruby rim. Lovely scents of plum, mocha and tobacco regale the nose. Sweet on entry, then nicely delineated, with flavors of plum jam, licorice, mint and tar. Plushly textured, with full fuzzy tannins, this medium-to-full-bodied wine exudes earthy undertones in the lingering finish.

1997 Behrens & Hitchcock Ode to Picasso California (750ml)

$78.00

Robert Parker 91-93

Named after a long deceased cat, the 1997 Ode to Picasso (a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Merlot) is far superior to the very good 1996. It reveals the winery's tell-tale aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and cassis, as well as terrific fruit intensity, a layered texture, and huge flavors. Although built like a fortress, it possesses glorious levels of fruit and plenty of power. Accessible enough to be drunk young, it will keep for 12-15+ years.

1997 Bollinger R.D. (750ml)

$260.00

Robert Parker 95

The 1997 R.D. opens with explosive aromatics that meld seamlessly into layers of ripe fruit. The signature slightly oxidative notes are there, but there is also more than enough fruit to provide terrific balance. This is an especially accessible, opulent R.D. that can be drunk young or cellared. The R.D. starts off as the same wine as the Grande Annee but sees an extended period of aging on its lees prior to being disgorged. In 1997 the R.D. is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. This bottle was disgorged on March 25, 2008. The 1997 is a great introduction to the R.D style, and a bottle that can be enjoyed while the 1995 and 1996 age. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 93

Tasted at the Bollinger RD vertical in Paris. The 1997 has a languid but persistent mousse. The nose displays good intensity with fine mineralit� intermingling with grilled walnuts, smoke and just a faint touch of beeswax. The palate is very well balanced with a citric thread of acidity, lemon peel, fresh red gooseberries, green apple and crushed stone. The acidity drives the finish, though it is just a little unruly on the bitter lemon and cantaloupe finish. Very good length, this 1997 RD evolves nicely in the glass, become ever more refined and elegant. Tasted July 2011.

1997 Calon-Segur (750ml)

List Price: ~~$70.00~~ Our Price: $60.00

$60.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Medium color. Spicy aromas of black plum, currant, fresh blood, leather and herbs. Juicy but leaner than the above, with some cabernet greenness suggesting uneven ripeness. Evolving rather quickly. Decent persistence on the aftertaste.

1997 Campogiovanni Brunello Reserva Quercione (750ml)

List Price: ~~$163.00~~ Our Price: $125.00

$125.00

Wine Spectator 95

This is a wine that evolves wonderfully in your glass. It first smells like raw meat and earth and then quickly turns to flowers and tar and finally superripe fruit. Fascinating. Full-bodied and powerful, with supersilky tannins and a dense, yet refined finish. Best after 2004.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91

Deep ruby-red. Deep, slightly reduced, carnal aromas of blackberry skin, cassis, wild strawberry and gunflint. Powerful, concentrated and fresh, with tangy flavors of raspberry, strawberry, minerals and spices. Dense, deep and lush, but the wine's lovely vinosity gives the flavors excellent delineation. Finishes very long and strong, with fine tannins.

1997 Chappellet Pritchard Hill California (750ml)

$129.00

Wine Spectator 93

"Dark, ripe and concentrated, with pretty currant, plum, black cherry, roasted coffee and shoe-leather flavors woven tightly together, finishing with lively acidity and firm tannins."

Robert Parker 90

The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill (a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc) is the finest wine to emerge from Chappellet since the Philip Togni era (remember the exquisite 1969 Cabernet Sauvignon Togni fashioned?). A dark saturated blue/purple color is followed by tight aromatics offering up scents of blueberries, minerals, cassis, and subtle toast. It is medium to full-bodied and elegant, with sweet tannin as well as a tightly-knit, convincing finish. This wine appears to have a promising future. Although still young and unevolved, it is impressively endowed and pure. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.

1997 Dr Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Auslese (375ml)

List Price: ~~$44.00~~ Our Price: $37.80

$37.80

Wine Spectator 91

"Lip-smacking and smelling of freshly baked bread, lime and mineral, this white combines rich peach and apple flavors with a racy structure and an intensity that continues on the fine, fresh aftertaste."

1997 Fonseca (750ml)

$98.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93+

Full saturated ruby. Inky, brooding aromas of syrupy black fruits and violet. Dense, thick and tactile, with superb depth of flavor and compelling juicy sweetness. Finishes with powrful tannins and superb grip..

Robert Parker 93

Somewhat of a lightweight for Fonseca, but undeniably charming, this dark ruby/purple-colored wine offers a floral, exotic, flamboyant bouquet, a sweet, fleshy style, but not a great deal of weight or massiveness. Heady alcohol, sweet tannin, and a velvety texture make for a gorgeous finish. While I would have preferred to have seen more weight, structure, and intensity, this is an outstanding, albeit lighter than normal Fonseca. Anticipated maturity: now-2020.

1997 Friggiali Brunello Donna Olga (750ml)

List Price: ~~$115.00~~ Our Price: $90.00

$90.00

Robert Parker 89

Friggiali's 1997 Brunello di Montalcino possesses a dense ruby/garnet/purple color in addition to a sweet nose of saddle leather, plums, earth, Asian spices, and tobacco. It reveals excellent, possibly outstanding ripeness, medium body, sweet tannin, and an impressively long finish. This forward Brunello may merit 90 points after another year or two of cellar age. It will last for 12-15 years.

Wine Spectator 90

Balanced and silky, with lots of blackberry, cherry and mineral character. Full-bodied and well-integrated, with a caressing finish. Best after 2007.

1997 Giacosa Barolo Rocche del Falletto (750ml)

List Price: ~~$250.00~~ Our Price: $165.00

$165.00

Robert Parker 96

Bruno Giacosa's 1997 Barolo Rocche de Falletto emerges from four blocks of his Falletto vineyard with a southeastern exposure. This amazing, deep plum/garnet-colored offering possesses huge body as well as a sweet, sexy, fleshy mid-palate and finish. Classic aromas of rose petals, melted tar, and cherry liqueur not only soar aromatically, but saturate the palate and coat the taster's teeth. Profoundly complex and multilayered, with an exquisite texture and overall harmony, for a Giacosa Barolo it is uncommonly precocious, making me think it will provide profound drinking in 2-3 years, and last for three decades.

1997 Grover Family Port (California) (750ml-12pk)

$525.00

FineWine International

We are pleased to offer our first release of Grover Family Vintage Port. The grapes for this wine came from our old vine Carignane vineyard in Mendocino. The wine was fortified with several different port still brandies and aged three years in cask prior to bottling. Only 42 cases of this unique vintage style port were produced. Tasting notes: Nice dark ruby-purple color with a nose of subtle complexity. Aromas of exotic spices black fruits and hints of chocolate emerge with aeration. The wine is medium bodied, rather elegant in mouth-feel, round and luscious. The blackfruit and plum flavors are ripe but not overtly sweet. There is none of the raisiny character that frequently mars similar port-style wines from California. The finish is long and lingering. This is a wine of subtlety not raw power. Already delicious this port-style wine will continue to improve with additional cellaring.

1997 Grover Family Port (California) (500ml)

$44.00

FineWine International

We are pleased to offer our first release of Grover Family Vintage Port. The grapes for this wine came from our old vine Carignane vineyard in Mendocino. The wine was fortified with several different port still brandies and aged three years in cask prior to bottling. Only 42 cases of this unique vintage style port were produced. Tasting notes: Nice dark ruby-purple color with a nose of subtle complexity. Aromas of exotic spices black fruits and hints of chocolate emerge with aeration. The wine is medium bodied, rather elegant in mouth-feel, round and luscious. The blackfruit and plum flavors are ripe but not overtly sweet. There is none of the raisiny character that frequently mars similar port-style wines from California. The finish is long and lingering. This is a wine of subtlety not raw power. Already delicious this port-style wine will continue to improve with additional cellaring.

1997 Grover Family Port (California) (500ml-12 pack)

$525.00

FineWine International

We are pleased to offer our first release of Grover Family Vintage Port. The grapes for this wine came from our old vine Carignane vineyard in Mendocino. The wine was fortified with several different port still brandies and aged three years in cask prior to bottling. Only 42 cases of this unique vintage style port were produced. Tasting notes: Nice dark ruby-purple color with a nose of subtle complexity. Aromas of exotic spices black fruits and hints of chocolate emerge with aeration. The wine is medium bodied, rather elegant in mouth-feel, round and luscious. The blackfruit and plum flavors are ripe but not overtly sweet. There is none of the raisiny character that frequently mars similar port-style wines from California. The finish is long and lingering. This is a wine of subtlety not raw power. Already delicious this port-style wine will continue to improve with additional cellaring.

1997 Grover Family Port (California) (500ml-6 pack)

$265.00

FineWine International

We are pleased to offer our first release of Grover Family Vintage Port. The grapes for this wine came from our old vine Carignane vineyard in Mendocino. The wine was fortified with several different port still brandies and aged three years in cask prior to bottling. Only 42 cases of this unique vintage style port were produced. Tasting notes: Nice dark ruby-purple color with a nose of subtle complexity. Aromas of exotic spices black fruits and hints of chocolate emerge with aeration. The wine is medium bodied, rather elegant in mouth-feel, round and luscious. The blackfruit and plum flavors are ripe but not overtly sweet. There is none of the raisiny character that frequently mars similar port-style wines from California. The finish is long and lingering. This is a wine of subtlety not raw power. Already delicious this port-style wine will continue to improve with additional cellaring.

1997 Grover Family Port (California) (500ml-4 pack)

$174.00

FineWine International

We are pleased to offer our first release of Grover Family Vintage Port. The grapes for this wine came from our old vine Carignane vineyard in Mendocino. The wine was fortified with several different port still brandies and aged three years in cask prior to bottling. Only 42 cases of this unique vintage style port were produced. Tasting notes: Nice dark ruby-purple color with a nose of subtle complexity. Aromas of exotic spices black fruits and hints of chocolate emerge with aeration. The wine is medium bodied, rather elegant in mouth-feel, round and luscious. The blackfruit and plum flavors are ripe but not overtly sweet. There is none of the raisiny character that frequently mars similar port-style wines from California. The finish is long and lingering. This is a wine of subtlety not raw power. Already delicious this port-style wine will continue to improve with additional cellaring.

1997 Haag, F Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Auslese GK (750ml)

List Price: ~~$109.00~~ Our Price: $94.50

$94.50

Wine Spectator 90

Lovely ripe fruit character, with aromas of peach and apricot that carry through to the finish. The rich texture retains a juiciness courtesy of the well-integrated acidity. Best from 2002 through 2008.

1997 Icaria Alexander Valley California (750ml)

$50.00

1997 Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle (750ml)

$95.00

Robert Parker 93

"The moderately intense bouquet exhibits plenty of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit, in addition to spicy, mineral characteristics. There is considerable weight and volume, but the wine is tight, and nearly impenetrable, leaving an impression of a large deep, four-square monolith in need of 7-10 years of cellaring."

1997 Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle (750ml)

$95.00

Robert Parker 93

"The moderately intense bouquet exhibits plenty of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit, in addition to spicy, mineral characteristics. There is considerable weight and volume, but the wine is tight, and nearly impenetrable, leaving an impression of a large deep, four-square monolith in need of 7-10 years of cellaring."

1997 Jadot Chevalier Montrachet Les Demoiselles (750ml)

$270.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93+

Discreet aromas of lemon, orange peel, minerals, coconut and marzipan. Tactile and sharply delineated, with the wine strong mineral spine buttressed by bright acidity. A wine of superb grip, but there's still some acidity to be absorbed. Chewy, impressively long finish features a ripe note of pineapple. I'd give this at least a few years of additional bottle aging.

Robert Parker 93-94

Jadot's Chevalier-Montrachet Les Demoiselles is a fabulous wine. Its nose was slightly reticent the day of my tasting, reluctantly revealing nuts, minerals, and stones. However, its spectacular presence on the palate more than demonstrated its greatness. This is an offering of outstanding richness and density. It is crammed with candied hazelnuts, almonds, as well as spicy minerals. It also has an ethereal quality that I sometimes find in the best Chevaliers. This is one of the rare 1997s from the Cote de Beaune that will age for at least a decade. Drink it between 2003 and 2012.

1997 Jadot Clos St Denis (750ml)

$145.00

Robert Parker 91-93

Jadot's 1997 Clos St.-Denis reveals a medium to dark ruby-color, as well as a nose presently dominated by grilled oak scents. This is a hugely powerful, expansive, thick, medium to full-bodied wine. Its baked blackberry, earth, and game-laden core leads to an exceptionally long, pure, and fresh finish. Projected maturity: 2002-2010+.

Allen Meadows, Burghound 89-92

A slightly more elegant and certainly spicier ripe blue and red berry fruit nose laced with ample amounts of warm earth that also characterizes the beautifully layered flavors that also possess a most beguiling texture that is at once firm but velvety, all wrapped in a finish that tightens up very quickly, indeed to the point that the tannins are on the chewy side. This is lovely but it doesn't have the same power and length as the Clos de la Roche.

1997 Jadot Clos de la Roche (750ml)

$181.00

Robert Parker 89-91

The black/purple-colored 1997 Clos de la Roche bursts from the glass with mocha and baked berry fruit aromas. This is a huge, thick, muscular wine with cocoa powder and blackberry jam flavors. Deep, intense, and chewy, this powerful offering also possesses an impressively long and fresh finish. Drink it between 2002 and 2012

Allen Meadows, Burghound 90-93

An intensely sauvage nose that remains fresh and bright but clearly with forest floor and game nuances that also run through the rich, full and seductively textured medium-bodied flavors that possess good power and weight on the dusty, mouth coating and impressively persistent finale. Lovely and while not a truly large-scaled Clos de la Roche, this definitely enjoys grand cru focus and punch.

1997 Jarvis Malbec California (375ml)

$47.00

1997 Jarvis Petit Verdot California (375ml)

$37.00

1997 Jones Family (750ml)

$190.00

Robert Parker 94

"This wine is the product of a small micro-vinification from a 5-acre vineyard on the upper eastern hillsides of Napa Valley. David Abreu, the well-known vineyard manager, oversees the vineyard, and acclaimed wine consultant, Heidi Barrett, makes the wine. The sensational 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (800 cases produced) is the finest effort yet from the Jones Family. The color is a saturated blue/purple. The nose offers up classic mineral, blueberry, creme de cassis, and subtle toasty oak notes. Full-bodied, with stunning purity, a multi-layered, full-bodied palate impression, and an explosive finish, this wine requires 2-3 years of cellaring; it will age nicely for 20-25 years."

Wine Enthusiast 95

Enormous aromatics of vanilla and chocolate, dark berries and spice cake. An open palate with sweet-tart fruit and vanilla notes. The rich, round feel, the depth of fruit, and the velvety tannins nearly veil the solid structure. Finishes dry and long, with coffee and chocolate flavors. A newcomer with budding cult credentials. Hold three to five years if you can keep your hands off it.

1997 La Gerla Brunelllo Riserva (750ml)

List Price: ~~$147.00~~ Our Price: $125.00

$125.00

Wine Spectator 95

Dark ruby-garnet. Aromas of rose, plum and spices follow through to a full body, with silky tannins and a ripe fruit, plum and blackberry finish. Chewy and concentrated. This would still be better with age.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2009

1997 La Rasina Brunello Di Marco Mantengoli (750ml)

List Price: ~~$93.00~~ Our Price: $79.00

$79.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94

Very dark garnet. Multidimensional, perfumed nose combines nutmeg, panforte spices, mocha and mint. Quite dense and plush in the mouth, with vibrant, concentrated flavors of blackberry jam, licorice, chocolate and chestnut flavors much in evidence. The sustained finish hints at sweet vanilla cream. A complex and suave Brunello.

1997 La Sirena California (1.5L)

$325.00

Robert Parker 92

The brilliant, opaque purple-colored 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon boast sumptuous levels of black currant fruit intermixed with smoke, minerals, and toasty oak. Pure and full-bodied, with additional layers of extract, richness, and flavor dimension, this intense, well-balanced, seamless classic can be drunk now, yet promises to age well for 20-25 years.

1997 La Torre Brunello (750ml)

List Price: ~~$92.00~~ Our Price: $85.00

$85.00

Wine Spectator 90

Fascinating aromas of allspice and ripe fruit. Full-bodied, with lots of ripe fruit and loads of coffee, berry and dried cherry character. Silky tannins.

1997 Laurent Gevrey Chambertin Craipillot (750ml)

$51.00

1997 Laurent Gevrey Chambertin Estournelles St Jacques (750ml)

$49.00

1997 Laurent Gevrey Chambertin Les Evocelles (750ml)

$51.00

1997 Laurent Gevrey Chambertin Les Poissenots (750ml)

$47.00

1997 Laurent Nuits St Georges Les Richemone (750ml)

$51.00

Wine Spectator

"A surprising '97. Very dark, compacted and extracted, it offers an impressive focus of pure blackberry and red berry flavors dominated by cassis."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"Deep ruby-red. Very reduced on the nose. Great chocolatey richness in the mouth. An outsized, youthfully unevolved wine with huge tannic clout. Impressive but impossible to assess today. This was due for a racking."

1997 Laurent Vosne Romanee Cuvee royale (750ml)

$51.00

1997 Laurent Vosne Romanee La Croix Blanche (750ml)

$47.00

1997 Laurent Vosne Romanee La Croix Rameau (750ml)

$51.00

1997 Laurent Vosne Romanee Les Rouges (750ml)

$51.00

FineWine International

"Outstanding higher elevation premier cru, exhibiting pure black and red fruit flavors, with firm ripe tannins and lingering complex finish."

1997 Leonetti Washington (750ml)

$103.00

Wine Spectator 91

Dense in texture and distinctive in flavor, with floral, spicy, peppery notes swirling around the black cherry flavor at the core.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Bright ruby-red. Black cherry, licorice, smoke, herbs and spices on the nose, plus a slight medicinal quality. Juicy and intensely flavored, with sound supporting acidity; initially seemed rather hard and lacking in density but became silkier with aeration. Finishes firmly tannic and persistent. 88(+?)

Robert Parker

The purple/ruby-colored 1997 Merlot exhibits sweet red cherry and Asian spice aromas. A myriad of wood flavors are intermingled with jammy red cherries in this extroverted wine. Gary Figgins' trademark supple personality leads to an atypically firm and structured finish.

1997 Leoville Poyferre (750ml)

$125.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Excellent saturated ruby-red color. Fruity, sappy aromas of black cherry, cassis, and violet, plus a faint animal fur nuance that suggests syrah. Supple, fruity and fairly concentrated, but does it possess the sweetness of an outstanding year? The wine intensity of blackcurrant flavor is more than enough to support its moderate tannins.

Robert Parker

Medium ruby with purple nuances, this ripe St.-Julien exhibits delicious, sweet cassis fruit mixed with high quality toasty oak. The wine possesses fat, accessible fruit flavors, attractive glycerin, and no hardness. Neither big nor muscular, it is a medium-bodied, elegant, savory, charming, and delicious effort to be enjoyed over the next 6-7 years.

1997 Lisini Brunello (750ml)

List Price: ~~$136.00~~ Our Price: $105.00

$105.00

Wine Spectator 95

A rich yet refined red. Super-plummy on the nose, with hints of fresh spices. Full-bodied and wonderfully polished, with beautiful tannins and lots of fruit and spices. Long, long finish. Best after 2004.

1997 Marilyn Merlot California (750ml)

$98.00

Wine- Maker Notes

The 1997 Marilyn Merlot is an exceptional bottle of wine. This rich Napa Valley Merlot is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, creating an impression of fullness in the mouth with a nice balance of acids and tannins and a suggestion of oak. Aromas of ripe, plump blackberry complement the lovely, lingering fruit on the finish.

1997 Mondavi Reserve California (750ml)

$150.00

Robert Parker 95

"The profound 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve boasts a saturated ruby/purple color. Production (about 20,000 cases) of this sweet, opulently-textured, rich, full-bodied wine should guarantee widespread availability. Aged in 100% new French oak, this blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot offers a textbook varietal nose of cedar wood, licorice, creme de cassis, and pain grille. Full-bodied, with explosive sweetness and fruit on the attack, this gloriously pure, superbly well-delineated wine should be drinkable young, and last for 3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025."

Wine Spectator 93

"Packed with currant, black cherry, plum, cedar and spice nuances, finishing long and complete, this Mondavi reserve is a dark, immense, deeply concentrated and sharply focused red."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93+

Very good deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of crystallized red berries, cassis, graphite and grilled nuts. Lush, sweet and minerally; already displays compelling inner-mouth complexity and superb delineation. Youthful fruit flavors show less of the meaty quality that characterized some recent vintages of this wine. Very strong underlying backbone. The wine's lovely sweetness carries through to the very long finish, which features dusty, even tannins.

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