Sign In

1997 Chateau St. Jean Reserve Merlot

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

October 1, 2023 - $41

Estimate

RATINGS

93Wine Enthusiast

A huge, full-on, ripe and supple red wine that is buttery smooth on the palate yet offers the structure to support a rich flavor profile including chocolate, plum, cassis, vanilla, coffee, herb and spice...long and velvety on the finish.

92Robert M. Parker Jr.

...reveals a dense, chewy, thick, viscous personality as well as enormously concentrated, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, and berry fruit aromas and flavors. This powerful, full-bodied, spectacular Merlot still has some tannin to shed.

91Wine Spectator

Serves up a tasty array of ripe, rich, well-focused flavors built around currant, plum and blackberry, with touches of anise, sage, mineral, mocha and cedar. Well-integrated tannins on a complex finish.

REGION

United States, California, Sonoma County

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

TYPE

Red Wine, Merlot

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.

VINTAGE

1997 Chateau St. Jean Reserve Merlot

1,100 cases produced