1997 Ch. Montelena Estate

[winoweenie]

Killer stuff! Complex nose of cream de cassis, nuts, coffee bean, plum jam, and wild blueberries hit the ole schnozz like hillbilly haymaker. The palate follows with the addition of some asian spices and floral touches. Balanced, multi-layered, with the opulant personality consistant with this marvelous property. Easily one of the superstars of this superstar vintage. 95/95. 50 on futures. 14% alc. WW

[Bucko]

For my palate, this wine, Phelps Insignia and Whitehall Lane Reserve delivered a one-two-three punch in '97.

[winoweenie]

Agree with those 3 Herr Doc-i-tor but also must include the Viader, Merryvale Profile & Beckstoffer, Cornerstone Beatty Ranch, Justin Isosocles, Ch, St. Jean Cinq, B.V. Reserve, Shafer Hillside, and Flora Springs Trilogy just to name a few ( and these again IMHO are all in the classic area.) IMHO this vintage produced a whole barrel full of great juice. WW