1997 Atalon Merlot Mountain Estates
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Tasting notes
The terrific 1997 Merlot Mountain Estates (1,200 cases) is primarily from the Howell Mountain vineyard once owned by Liparita. The wine has a small dosage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in the blend, but tastes like pure Merlot, and superb Merlot at that. It is full-bodied with a knockout nose of smoke, coffee, black cherries, plums, and toast. Unctuously textured, very chewy, with fabulous purity and gobs of flavor, this is a hedonistic yet potentially long-lived Merlot that should drink well when released and last for 15 or more years. What an impressive debut performance. Tel. (800) 244-4090 Fax. (800) 600-5895
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium ruby. Dusty aromas of plum, currant, leather and tobacco; faint suggestion of raw oak. Lush and sweet in the mouth, but softer than the cabernet and a bit hot. Finishes with slightly green flavors and a hint of tannic dryness.