The 1997 J. Daniel Cuvee is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot (1200 cases produced). The dense ruby/purple-colored 1997 boasts a lavishly pure nose of blackberries cassis minerals licorice chocolate and toast. It is expansive with the vintage's tell-tale richness sweet tannin and outstanding ripeness and concentration. The persistent finish lasts for nearly 40 seconds. This wine possesses an openness and sweetness that gives it the impression of being ready to drink but I suspect much more will emerge with aging...