Decanted, dark ruby, nose of black cherries and blackberry, rich mouthcoating fruit, Long finish, tannic finish which is balanced by the fruit. This is a young wine. Need at least two years to show its best. 94 points. Lots of discussion that the 1997 vintage in Napa is ready to drink but I have had the Etude, Montelena and Spottswoode in the past three weeks and they are all young wines.

I loved this when lcc brought it to an offline years ago.

Was forced to try another one last Friday nite after a good day of fishing the Upper Sacramento River. Two New York Prime Angus steaks, baked potato and tossed salad. Simple meal plus great wine plus good friend is a great combination. Tonite's wine was even better than three months ago, mouthcoating black cherry fruit, extremely long, complex finish. My friend, who does not have a wine cellar was amazed. 96+ points tonite.

Perfect cork. Decanted for one hour. Deep ruby color. Big nose of cedar and black fruits. This wine is so rich it is almost decadent. Coats the mouth with a very long finish, it just keeps getting better and better. I would match this against any 1997 Napa cabernet and yes, I have the 1997 Harlan in my cellar. 96+ points.

Perfect cork, 13.5% alcohol, rich ruby color, needed 1.5 hours to really open up. Loads of cherry and black fruits, elegant with a long finish and still has tannins to resolve. Great right now but perhaps best in 2-3 years. 95 points.

My favorite Cali cab. Glad to hear still holding up well. Will the 2002 be a repeat in 5 years ?

Cali Wine

The 2002 is a bit like a rich candied cab. Very good drink but higher in alcohol. We will have to wait and see if it ages as well as the 1997.

FWIW,

I love the 2002, but I think it is more of a 'drink now' type of wine...

Thanks for the note, I have a magnum of the 02 napa I'll wait on for awhile!

Perfect cork, 13.5% alcohol. Rich ruby to the edge, nose of black fruits and briarpatch, best after one hour with a mouthcoating taste and real long finish. Great balance with some tannins to resolve but certainly can be enjoyed now. Superb. 96 points

Hey Pippin,

Thank you very much for putting up the follow up tasting notes. I have never had Etude before, but after reading your outstanding TNs and follow up TNs, I have every intention of stopping there one of my next Napa visits.

Great job with your notes again. I hope to see more TNs from you.

Just pulled my last bottle of this today, to celebrate Memorial Day...also had to leave the wife and parents with something good to drink, while I go off to play golf this afternoon...

Rich and intense, with dark berry, briar, cedar and roasted vanilla bean notes. Nice loamy underpinning on the finish, which is still grippy, with roasted plum and coffee notes. Should hold here for another few years. 93 points.

Tasted this alongside my last bottle of

[Note: Unofficial review, not tasted blind.]

quote:

Originally posted by winetarelli:
FWIW,

I love the 2002, but I think it is more of a 'drink now' type of wine...

I'd agree. The only Etude cab I've had is the 2002. OMFG, is it good. I have two of them in storage, and will get to them in the next couple of years. I have to keep my eye open for the '97.

Decanted, 13.5% alcohol, dark ruby, rich nose of black cherries explodes from the glass. After one hour, drinks really well,very complex with a long finish. Probably just about prime time for this wine but will certainly keep for a few years. 94 points

1997 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/17/2009)
WIML91-92?

Tasted October 17, 2009 at an offline.

Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of thistle, plums, tobacco, black cherries and a bit of rose petals. Flavors of black cherries, black berries and plums. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full body. Drink or hold but seems in a really good place right now. (91 pts.)