Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1997

9.7

Earthy and not giving away much initially, was worried after 20 mins. By 30 it blossomed, full on cassis and vanilla tannins, undergrowth. Dark red fruit, Rutherford dust. Notwithstanding a Bordeaux vibe there was no mistaking this for anything but a high-end Napa cab. Awesome one at that. I wouldn’t wait much longer… — 17 days ago

Ira, ESF and 23 others liked this

Tom Casagrande

Yum!

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah 1997

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.2

Very good, but not the best ‘97 Chapelle bottle I’ve had. — 6 months ago

Juan, Bob and 4 others liked this

Beaulieu Vineyard

Reserve Tapestry Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1997

David Langstaff

9.3

Surprisingly beautiful. Great bottles. Tannins smooth — enough for structure but not in the way. Dark fruit. Great. — 8 months ago

with Lee and Cynthia

Chateau Montelena

The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Christine T

9.0

Love an old school cab, with all the boldness and none of the jam — 8 months ago

Christine, Ron and 1 other liked this

Ron R

An old fave of ours. Surprised it didn’t merit a higher score from you.

Christine T

It was good but I wanted more finish, it fell a bit short in the level of tannins and long finish that other napa cabs I typically adore have.

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1997

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Love this vintage for Yquem, one of my favorites in this time period along with 88, 90 and 01. Halfsie tonight to pair with the foie gras and then dessert! Nectar of the gods 😚 — a month ago

Yair, Jan and 13 others liked this

Spottswoode

Family Estate Grown St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Brenda Terzich-Garland

9.3

What a treat opening this 27 year old Napa Valley Spottswoode Cabernet! A deep purple garnet color with some bricking. Nose - dark fruit and wet forest floor initially standout followed by subtle notes of blueberry dark chocolate, fennel and a touch of tobacco & spearmint. Taste - cherry and dark plum stand out giving it a luscious smooth feel. Well integrated with secondary notes of dark soil, crushed rock, espresso, cedar and a medium finish — 6 months ago

with Leslie, Karin and 1 other

Tom, Shay and 11 others liked this

Salon

'S' Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut Chardonnay 1997

Bryan Kesting

9.4

Thank you, Matt. Really enjoyed this one… — 8 months ago

with Matthew

Ron, Bob and 3 others liked this

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

LM Segal

9.8

Takes the reins as best ever Dunn Cabernet for me…needed 45 mins out of Magnum, nose all Bordeaux of cedar and cigar box with a touch of cassis. Velvety palate, layers of red cherry and chocolate espresso bean, long, long finish. Find and drink now if you can. — 6 months ago

Jeroen, Ira and 26 others liked this

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Oh hell yes.

Norman Gennaro

Best ever - nice to hear

Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga

Fontalloro Toscana Sangiovese 1997

Brent Clayton

9.4

On the early side of peak. Really beautiful bottle, great condition. Skews more towards red fruit but I haven’t had this in a long time and it’s darker than I remember. — 7 months ago

Austin and Ira liked this

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 1997

web bond

9.0

Unfortunately bretty. — 8 months ago

Juan and Severn liked this

1997 Mayacamas Cabernet