1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos

The weather in the 1997 growing season included a warm spring leading to early budbreak and bloom. Conditions from the previous vintage and through winter led to better yields in the 1997 vintage. Temperatures in summer stayed relatively moderate allowing for slow, even ripening. The 1997 vintage was lauded at the time and there are plenty of lovely wines from it. They also tend to offer a bit less complexity than the subtle but layered neighbouring 1998 vintage, and less concentration and structure than the impressive 1999 vintage. Deep ruby colour with a deeper colour concentration than the 1996. Star bright in the glass. More mushroom reduction on the nose with a top note of gunmetal. The nose feels more aged than the 1996, while also richer with a broader aromatic presence. The palate hits with a darker, deeper-toned character than the 1996, offering notes of black cherry, cedar and cigar box, and both crystalline and ferric earthy elements within the mushroom reduction. Cracked-pepper accents move through the finish. The 1997 vintage offers more richness, darker tones, power of presence, and apparent tannin than the 1996 while still remaining relatively light on its feet. Again, an impressively long finish. The tannin is a bit broader while still supple with a bit more size to the wine overall, and still good balancing, lengthy acidity. (ECB)