Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1997 (Magnum 1.5L)

The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (1,400 cases) is very good. I rated this wine 96 last year, but after an additional year of bottle age, it may be even better. It spent 18 months in 40-45% new French oak, and was bottled after a light fining yet no filtration. A monumental, classic California Cabernet Sauvignon, it boasts an opaque plum/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of jammy cassis, plums, toast, and licorice. With its humongous fruit and glycerin, full body, smoky blackberry and coffee flavors on the mid-palate, as well as a silky, moderately tannic finish that lasts for nearly a minute, this seamless effort is a modern day Cabernet elixir. A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit-Verdot, it should be at its best between 2004-2025.

Floral, exciting and chocolaty, this is a dense, rich, well-crafted beauty. Yummy is one of the best ways to describe it. It has full but friendly tannins, all the length you could ask for, and in the final analysis it leaves an impression of heft and significance.

Dark, rich and perfumed, with ripe, supple black cherry, currant, chocolate, herb and sage notes. Finishes with a supple texture and fine tannins, making it appealing now.

Bright ruby-red to the rim. Black fruit aromas are at once a bit roasted and peppery. On the palate, the black fruit and pepper flavors show a slightly rustic leathery component. Finishes with slightly dry, clenched tannins and some exotic berry tones. Retains good energy but this wine is not getting any fresher. My bottle the previous day at the Seavey vertical tasting showed a bit more fruit sweetness and a more satisfying finish.