1997 Franus Napa

[winoweenie]

Lovely deep ruby. Nose comes out immediately showing lovely floral, red fruits, spice and earthy notes that are beautifully balanced. All hit the palate at full trot.Not exactly sure where Peter gets the fruit for this but belive it's from the Chimiles Ranch which if memory serves is off the Silverado Trail below Stags Leap. Wherever it comes from it is some lovely juice and this bottle shows that Pete knows what to do with it. Just about at the TOIG but should hold at this high level for another 4-6. Killer stuff. 91/94 24.99 13.6% alc. WW

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 07-11-2009).]

[Innkeeper]

Is this the one you bought three boxes of?

[winoweenie]

Nope. I'm picking those up today and they are 04s. WW

[winoweenie]

My bad there IK. I picked them up this AM and they are the 02 Archipel Bordeaux Blend from the Mayacamus Mtns on the Sonoma side. Will report on this sucker with BRW tomorrow. WW

[winoweenie]

Opened another for lunch yesterday. Nose, as expected, has expanded and shows more Flowery notes , a touch of plums join the brite cherries, floral(rose,and maybe lavender), and showy sweet spices. Solid entry, medium center and a 4+ lapper finish. Showing off and needs to go to a solid 92. Not a tannin to be found but holding dead stoney on TTOIG. WW

[winoweenie]

BRW and I had another of these dudes yesterday along with a 97 Dominus Napanook. This lil' dude 'kaint git no better. Very definately at TTOIG and holding nicely. Killer nose the jumped outta' the glass and took over the air-space. A real crowd pleaser.(Always share with the bartenders and a few of the regulars). The Napanook was still showing muscle and mite need another 1-3 to shed the last of its' tannins. Great with the Bruschetta with home-made mozzarella. They serve a great balsamic reduction with this dish that's really kick-patootie. Both wines hitting "C" above high "C". The Frannie a solid 92 and the Napasnook a 90. WW

[winoweenie]

Had the next to last frum the stash yesterday. Any comment I make will be repetitive so lets jes' say Taankee Grape God! WW

[winoweenie]

opened the last bugger for lunch today. Has held much stronger than I imagined. Definately on the downslope but still enjoyable. Peter has since gone back to France I was told. WW