96 vs. 97 gallo sonoma county

[newsguy]

well, i finally got to compare the 96 and 97 gallo of sonoma cabs. wasn't able to write any notes, so this is from memory.

had the 96 first. dark color, nice nose. taste was great fruit, with tannins that could use another year or two to recede to perfection. 97 was a bit lighter in color, and where the 96 tasted more of berries and darker fruit, the 97 tasted more of cherries and lighter fruit. plus the wine was rounder, had more oak, and the tannins were gone.

i liked the 96 better, which surprised me a bit cause it definitely could use a little more time till it hits its peak. but, to me, its taste was more little complex and had a better mouthfeel. because of its higher acidity it also stood up better to the steak we were having.

97 is a nice sipping cab.

... just my opinion.

keith

[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 04-18-2001).]