This wine (a blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon) has filled out considerably, exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color, followed by a knock-out nose of black cherries, herbs, and spice. In the mouth, the wine is rich, with more layers of flavor than I originally noted when I tasted it at the winery. This superb, medium to full-bodied example is the quintessential Cabernet Franc, offering elegance along with plenty of power and richness. It should drink well for 10-15 years. As readers may remember, I gave many of Pride Mountain's 1993s and 1994s extraordinary reviews, and excellent reviews to the 1995s and 1996s. However, in retasting the upcoming releases from the 1995 and 1996 vintages, as well as the 1997 Viognier, I realized I had seriously underrated several of these wines. At a recent tasting at the winery, I was struck by how significantly better each of the bottled red wines has turned out - always a positive sign. Tel. (707) 963-4949