1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (1,800 cases), which will be released in October, ranks alongside the finest Tony Soter has produced. Don't miss it! Opaque purple-colored, with a gorgeously seamless personality, this unfined/unfiltered wine exhibits classic aromas of cassis, licorice, chocolate, and toast. Rich and full-bodied, with sweet tannin, a multilayered mid-palate, and a terrific finish, it possesses accessibility and opulence, but its balance and overall concentration suggest it will age for two decades or more. (Not yet released) Tel. (707) 257-5300

Saturated ruby. Highly aromatic, fruit-driven nose of boysenberry, cassis, minerals, cedar, flowers and shoe polish. Dense, highly concentrated and sharply delineated. Fairly big cabernet for this label but not at all heavy. Dusty tannins spread out over the palate. A bit of cabernet sauvignon from the Eden Rock Vineyard under Dalla Valle really lifts this wine's aromatics. (ST)_ 92+

Deep, saturated ruby. Extremely aromatic, high-pitched nose combines blackberry, boysenberry, cassis, licorice and spice. Densely packed but very tightly wrapped and unevolved. Still, this cabernet already shows a lot of personality. Finishes with substantial, chewy tannins and very persistent, subtle dark fruit flavors.