85-89 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
PAUL JABOULET AINE La Chapelle 1997
Hermitage Rouge
CHÂTEAU CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE 1997
Saint Emilion
Pauillac
Margaux
Margaux
DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 1997
Châteauneuf du Pape
Sauternes
BEL ORME TRONQUOY DE LALANDE 1997
Haut Medoc
Saumur Champigny
The dark ruby-colored 1997 is impossibly tannic, with a tough texture and lean constitution. Paradoxically, the wine has weight, ripeness, and richness, but its dry, astringent finish is reminiscent of a 1998 Medoc. This wine's development is questionable, and I have serious reservations about its ratio of tannin to fruit. It may turn out to be excellent, but patience will be required.
A solid wine. Good dried cherry and berry aromas follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with light tannins and a fruity finish. Perhaps not as impressive as in barrel.