Pleasantly surprised. ‘97s have been fairly consistent as they’ve aged (not sure they’ve reached the hype of expectations, but some have), and this being a low-barrier to entry purchase from a reputable producer made it an easy choice to acquire.
Followed over a few hours from bottle and it held strong.
Faded color with the red core starting to dull. Quick whiff of some VA, but it dissipated quickly. Aromatics of old pipe tobacco, fig and brambly red fruits. Old school Napa on the palate (13.8 ABV) with a more lively profile…red and black fruits with cedar, more tobacco and some dark cacao (which turned to a confectionary chocolate Tootsie Roll taste at the finish). Acidity is hanging in there but definitely in the drink-now zone.
Pleasantly surprised. ‘97s have been fairly consistent as they’ve aged (not sure they’ve reached the hype of expectations, but some have), and this being a low-barrier to entry purchase from a reputable producer made it an easy choice to acquire.
Followed over a few hours from bottle and it held strong.
Faded color with the red core starting to dull. Quick whiff of some VA, but it dissipated quickly. Aromatics of old pipe tobacco, fig and brambly red fruits. Old school Napa on the palate (13.8 ABV) with a more lively profile…red and black fruits with cedar, more tobacco and some dark cacao (which turned to a confectionary chocolate Tootsie Roll taste at the finish). Acidity is hanging in there but definitely in the drink-now zone.
Jan 14th, 2025
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
