The 1997 Chateauneuf du Pape La Bernadine (100% Grenache) exhibits a Provencal herb, kirsch, licorice, cherry, and spicy-scented nose. Medium to full-bodied, soft, and round, with heady alcohol in the supple finish, it will drink well young, and keep for 5-7 years.Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Relatively light in color and even a bit of brown showing at the rim—unusual for such a young wine, but ’97 wasn’t the greatest year in Chateauneuf. Mature leather, earth and faint soy-sauce aromas and flavors. Decent effort for the vintage.——J.C.(7/1/2000)—— 85