Stonestreet Vineyards 1997 Christopher's Cabernet Sauvignon

The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Christopher's Vineyard (1,152 cases) is a selection made from the Buckeye Vineyard of Kendall-Jackson's famous Alexander Mountain Estate. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 17 months in new French oak, this powerful (14.1% alcohol) wine possesses outstanding concentration and purity, as well as a boatload of hard, gritty tannin. If the tannin becomes better integrated, this Cabernet will merit an outstanding score. However, I am concerned about the astringency level, which gives the wine a compressed feel despite its impressive levels of concentration and richness. Patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.