The 1997 Pinot Noir Reserve (which sees 70% new oak) is bottled with neither fining nor filtration. It boasts the deepest ruby/purple color of the current bottlings, a terrific texture, and copious quantities of sweet cherry/kirsch fruit intermixed with cassis and raspberries. While the oak is noticeable, the wine's greater concentration, body, and power have soaked most of it up. This is an opulently-textured Pinot Noir with superb potential. It should be at its best after another 1-2 years of cellaring, and will keep for a decade. At Mondavi, no varietal has been studied as intensely as Pinot Noir. Farming has moved toward organic, and the wines are being made as naturally as possible. Mondavi's 1997 Pinot Noirs, which are the finest they have yet produced, are indicative of such qualitative efforts. Much of the new production of California North Coast Pinot Noir is emerging from Dijon plant material (i.e., clones such as 667, 777, and 115). Robert Mondavi also utilizes such old California clones (which were brought from Burgundy years ago) as Calera and Swan. Bravo to the Mondavi winery for these efforts. Tel. (707) 259-9463 and (800) MONDAVI; Fax (707) 963-1007