Christophe Cordier aged the 1997 St. Veran in one second-year and four third-year oak barrels, performing regular and numerous batonnages throughout its elevage. Revealing a freshly cut hay and charred oak-infused nose, it possesses a medium-to-full-bodied, well-crafted, and structured core of minerals and earth. It is dense, silky-textured, extremely flavorful, and has a long, drawn out finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2004. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel (610) 486-0800.