1997 Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot Joseph Moda Amarone

Deep ruby. Slightly floral aromas of black plum, bitter chocolate and tobacco leaf. Thick and superripe in the mouth, with a flavor of crystallized red berries. A weighty, fat wine that just short of heavy. Finishes with slightly drying tannins and rather complex flavors of syrupy dark fruits, tobacco and tar. Very interesting wine, and ultimately a bit sappier and more complex than the '96.