Cornas Saint Pierre, Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine 1997

The spectacular 1997 Cornas Domaine St.-Pierre is a massively-endowed effort that has benefited from a 28-day maceration. The wine boasts an opaque purple color, followed by a stunning nose of blackberry and cassis liqueur intertwined with scents of minerals, violets, pepper, and tar. Huge and ponderous on the palate, with beautifully integrated tannin, acidity, and alcohol, this ripe, concentrated Cornas should develop at a glacial pace. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.