Wine Advocate
byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1998
This is one of the few 1997s that reminded me of how certain 1982s tasted at a similar age. It is an explosive, opulently-textured, knock-out wine that coats the palate with superb levels of flavor and glycerin. The saturated black/purple color is accompanied by evolved aromas and flavors of pain grille, smoke, licorice, olives, and blackberries/cassis. Unctuous in the mouth, with superb concentration, low acidity, and a blockbuster finish, this is a luxuriantly rich, decadent Canon-La-Gaffeliere that should drink well young and last for 12 or more years. Very impressive! Sadly, the 1997 production was tiny, with less than 35% of the harvest going into proprietor Stephan de Neipperg's grand vin.