The denser, dark ruby-colored 1997 Pinot Noir Carneros reveals more noticeable new oak in the aromatics than the Napa Valley, as well as high-strung cherry/raspberry aromas, and a creamy texture. The fruit is beautifully pure in this medium-bodied, elegant, vibrant wine. It is a more finesse-styled Pinot, and perhaps less obvious than the crowd-pleasing Napa Valley bottling. 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