The spectacular, opaque purple-colored 1997 Sancta Catharina (equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sangiovese) boasts a rich, full-bodied, chewy personality with copious quantities of blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with smoky wood. Thick, corpulent, dense, and moderately tannic, this enormously-endowed yet harmonious wine can be drunk now and over the next 12+ years.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411