92 Von Robert Parker
From an estate owned by Riccardo Cotarella, this wine, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new French oak, and bottled without fining or filtration, reflects the great ripeness and richness achieved in 1997. The wine's black/purple color is followed by a stunning nose of licorice, smoke, black fruits, and minerals. Amazingly rich, with no hard edges, this sumptuous, silky-textured, full-bodied offering coats the mouth, but is neither heavy nor out of balance. Its 40+ second finish is dazzling. Now the bad news - only 250 cases were produced. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.
88 Von Wine Spectator
A well-crafted red. Tobacco, berry and cherry aromas, with hints of oak. Full-bodied, with a wonderful intensity of fruit and milk chocolate character and notes of dried herb. Silky tannins. Medium finish. Best after 2001. 2,250 cases made. –JS
From an estate owned by Riccardo Cotarella, this wine, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new French oak, and bottled without fining or filtration, reflects the great ripeness and richness achieved in 1997. The wine's black/purple color is followed by a stunning nose of licorice, smoke, black fruits, and minerals. Amazingly rich, with no hard edges, this sumptuous, silky-textured, full-bodied offering coats the mouth, but is neither heavy nor out of balance. Its 40+ second finish is dazzling. Now the bad news - only 250 cases were produced. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.