A strong effort from Beaulieu, the 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve boasts a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a beautifully sweet nose of spicy oak intermixed with black cherries and currants. Full-bodied, rich, pure, and concentrated, it combines restraint and elegance with power and muscle. It will age well for two decades. While Beaulieu is no longer one of California's cutting edge wineries, this is classic stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.- Robert Parker Jr. (12/2000)
(13.5% alcohol): Bright medium ruby; slightly pale at the rim, like the Clone 4 version. Some roasted character to the black cherry and dark berry fruits, plus a hint of incipient maderization. Much finer-grained than the Clone 4, with the roasted quality carrying through in the mouth along with a savory element and a bit more give. Only the wine's port-like note tempered my enthusiasm. Finishes with big, tongue-dusting tannins. (A second bottle was at once more green and even more evolved.)- Stephen Tanzer
Producer: BV
Vintage: 1997
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: USA
Region: CA - North Coast (Napa,Sonoma)
Sub-Region: Napa
Appellation: Napa Valley
Sub-Appellation:
SKU: #
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