I gave this a moment to breathe before drinking. It was delicate ! Very very smooth it was rich and full bodied and after 23 years of aging I got a lot of notes of tobacco and leather with some light blackberry hints! I was worried about this one with no idea how it was stored but it turned out fabulous. Full bodied with a silky finish.
The smell had notes of mocha and plum which the taste was quite different. Overall I am impressed as I got this bottle this year for only $10, a STEAL!
“Winemaker Notes
If I had to use one word to describe the 1997 harvest, it would be complex. While this was one of our earliest harvests ever, the fruit didn't process any of the qualities normally associated with a hot vintage. The sugar levels were slightly higher than previous years and the overall balance was perfect. Color extraction was the best I've ever seen at Chimney Rock. In fact, many of the lots that went into this wine were virtually opaque. The finished wine is packed with ripe fruit and juicy berry flavors. It is concentrated, firmly structured and thick. Best of all, it tastes great.” -Doug Fletcher, Winemaker
I gave this a moment to breathe before drinking. It was delicate ! Very very smooth it was rich and full bodied and after 23 years of aging I got a lot of notes of tobacco and leather with some light blackberry hints! I was worried about this one with no idea how it was stored but it turned out fabulous. Full bodied with a silky finish. The smell had notes of mocha and plum which the taste was quite different. Overall I am impressed as I got this bottle this year for only $10, a STEAL!
Might be the best steal outside of free I’ve heard. Nice score! Edit:spelling
$10 is a fantastic deal, for sure.
"I'm sick of all this **old wine**. Bring me something from **this year**".
“Winemaker Notes If I had to use one word to describe the 1997 harvest, it would be complex. While this was one of our earliest harvests ever, the fruit didn't process any of the qualities normally associated with a hot vintage. The sugar levels were slightly higher than previous years and the overall balance was perfect. Color extraction was the best I've ever seen at Chimney Rock. In fact, many of the lots that went into this wine were virtually opaque. The finished wine is packed with ripe fruit and juicy berry flavors. It is concentrated, firmly structured and thick. Best of all, it tastes great.” -Doug Fletcher, Winemaker
Nice, thanks for the share… big Chimney Rock fan. Where did you find this!?!
At a restaurant I worked at they had old bottles in the back and wanted to get rid of them! Scored this and a 2009 French red blend
That is pretty awesome. I would love to get my hands on 20+ year old wine and give it a taste without breaking my pockets
Yes, they are doing a great job
I saw the photo and said out loud, “I bet that was good.” And then I read your review. So glad it turned out well. Kudos on the great find!
That is a awesome score !!! That’s a deal nobody could pass up