A 1997 California Cab that lives up to expectations

1997 was universally viewed as the brilliant year for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This evening's selection is the Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District from the '97 vintage. The color is a beautiful garnet with lighter red on the edges. The nose is (as always for me) subtle, but with noticeable dark cherry aromas. The flavors on the palate are bright fruit with loads of berry and cherry. It really opens up well over the course of an evening and as it moves from cellar temperature to room temperature. The tannins are nice and firm, but not overwhelming. Perfect, really. The nice long finish lasts and lasts. Solid 90 to 95 on the WineGeek scale. I originally thought about 85 to 90, but it's definitely 90 to 95. The best part? I have one more bottle in the cellar!