Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Dark and intense, with a solid, plush core of ripe, rich currant, black cherry, blackberry and light cedar notes. Jam-packed with flavors, it's an immense wine but beautifully balanced.

The opaque black/purple-colored 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (3,472 cases) offers sensational notes of black currants, minerals, smoke, licorice, and new oak. Full-bodied, with fabulous extract and power, the acidity, tannin, and potentially harsh components are well-meshed with the wine's personality. This is a large, ripe, impeccably balanced Cabernet Sauvignon that achieved 14.1% alcohol naturally. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020. This is a spectacular wine that must be tasted to be believed. Range: 91-93

Not a wine that will please the world, but as a group we liked it a lot. Very forward and rustic, with cassis, a hint of mint, and also a boatload of oak. It has a cedary character on the palate, with chocolate and coffee accents. Mouth-coating in the finish; it could use a few years of down time to show its charms.