Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1997

Wineadvocate

As for the 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, this wine seems more subdued than it did last year and might be going through a relatively closed stage. As it sat in the glass, it took on an almost Ducru-Beaucaillou or Leoville-Las Cases St.-Julien-like character, with notes of minerals, cedar wood, black currants, tobacco, and spice.

Vinous

Dark red-ruby. Very expressive, ripe, slightly inky aromas of blueberry, camphor and licorice, plus a hint of sweet butter; distinctly warm but not roasted. Wonderfully concentrated and deep if a bit unrefined; a real fleshpot of fruit but this still needs time to burn off some of its baby fat and reveal its dark berries and minerals underneath. Finishes chewy, deep and very long, with big, slightly tough tannins. Will additional bottle aging bring more elegance? Give this a long spell in a decanter if you plan to uncork a bottle anytime soon. This bottle was way better than the one I tasted as part of a vertical tasting of this wine in 2016.