Sadly only 400 cases were made of the 1997. The nearly perfect 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard was bottled in May, 1999, and appears to have recovered beautifully from bottle shock. Saturated black/purple-colored with a knock-out nose of blackberries, blueberries, lavender, licorice, and toast, this is a profound, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. It displays a seamless, velvety texture, layers of concentrated fruit, and a 45+ second finish. Am I being too conservative in not giving it a 3-digit score? Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025.Tel. (707) 524-4445; Fax (310) 889-0085

Well focused and holding up nicely, with a narrow band of dried currant, anise, sage and cedary oak. Supple, balanced and complex, with good length. Drying. Ready.--'97 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2011. 400 cases made. -JL