Late, cool vintage delayed maturities in most vineyards. Howell Mountain fruit was most challenging. Significant thinning of the crop was necessary and rigorous selection at harvest severely cut yields. More selection in the winery resulted in production that was less than half of normal. Blend has core of St. Helena Home Vineyard with Tre Colline, Chabot, Pretty nose with perfumy wild berry and mineral earthiness. Supple, velvety tannins showing opulence at a young age. Red fruit, black currant, mint, cedar and roasted coffee. Softer vintage than 1997, with an openness in the mouth.
PR Cab components: 28% Tre Colline, 24% Chabot, 23% St. Helena Home, 14% Bancroft Ranch, 11% Marston
- Vanilla and cedar in the nose
- Sweet cocoa, chocolate cherries, bing cherries, mint and slight herbal
- Soft, elegant and fruit forward – great drinking upon release
- Beautiful flavors, so approachable
- Note: in blind tastings collectors often pick 98 over the 97& 96 vintages
Drink or hold comments: Drink or hold
1977
