Chateau St Jean 1997 Cinq Cepages Cabernet

The Chateau Saint Jean 1997 Cinq Cepages is a remarkable expression of the vintage, offering a captivating experience from start to finish. Its color is deep and inviting, reflecting the wine's intensity and concentration. On the nose, it reveals a complex bouquet of licorice, dried herbs, black currants, spice box, and cherry liqueur, creating a symphony of aromas that entice the senses. The palate is a harmonious blend of flavors, with notes of chocolate, new oak, and both red and black fruits enveloping the mouth in a succulent and medium to full-bodied style. The wine's fleshy and complex character is enhanced by its aging new and one-year-old French barrels, which contribute to its depth and structure. With no fining or filtration, the wine maintains its authenticity and purity. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of a big, rich St. Emilion. This wine is a testament to Chateau Saint Jean's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, and it promises to age gracefully, further evolving its layers of complexity and charm.

Robert Parker - 94 Points

"The 1997 Cinq Cepages is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit-Verdot, it boasts a super-complex bouquet of licorice, dried herbs, black currants, spice box, and cherry liqueur. In the mouth, notes of chocolate, new oak, and red and black fruits caress the palate in a medium to full-bodied, succulent style. Aged in 50% new and 50% one-year-old French barrels, it is bottled with no fining or filtration. Fleshy and complex, this is California's answer to a big, rich St.-Emilion. Drinkable now, it promises to last for 12-15 years."

Antonio Galloni - 90 Points

"Ruby-red. Complex nose melds blackberry, cassis, cherry, lead pencil, flowers and rather high-toned tarry oak scents. Fairly dense but juicy, with bright cherry/berry and tobacco flavors. Still a bit unforthcoming in the middle. At once sweet and structured. Finishes with big, dusty tannins and very good length. The most promising vintage to date for this bottling."