1997 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley is a dense purple color with boisterous, sweet, spicy, new oak, licorice, and olive notes. This flamboyant wine tastes lighter than I would have expected for a 1997. In the mouth, it reveals medium body, sweet jammy cherry fruit, and a soft finish. It needs to be drunk over the next 7-8 years. By the way, the Alexander Valley cuvees are always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tel. (800) 273-8809; fax (707) 944-2817
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby-red. Cassis, black cherry, licorice, graphite and menthol on the nose; shows a slight syrupy quality. Dense and sweet, with the minty, menthol quality giving the wine an austere quality. Finishes with slightly tough, dusty tannins. I don't find the even ripeness shown by the best cabernets from this vintage.