1997 Sunstone Vineyard And Winery Eros 750 ml

- April 28, 2000

Santa Barbara County 40% Sunstone A&B Block Merlot 40% Sunstone H Block Cabernet Franc 20% Sunstone G Block Cabernet Sauvignon "Eros", a wine named after the God of Love, is a Bordeaux-style blend created exclusively from three Bordeaux grape varietals, which were organically grown on our estate vineyard: Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The artwork that adorns this label, entitled "The Kiss", was painted by world-renowned neo-French impressionist James-Paul Brown. The wine components aged separately in our barrel cave for 11 months in the most superior French oak cooperage available. Mostly new, medium toast, "Bossuet" barrels were used, which is the primary cooperage used by the world famous Chateau Petrus in Bordeaux. In August 1998, the components were blended to attain the most harmonious blend, and then bottled unfiltered to retain all of the delicate aromas and textural "mouth-feel" of the wine. When blended together these three varietals compliment each other to create a deliciously structured and well-balanced wine with a full mouth impression. On the front of the palate, the Merlot exhibits wonderful blackberry fruit, cassis, earth and soft, supple tannins. Melded together at mid-palate the Cabernet Franc adds opulent fruit flavors and a sweet vanillin oak aromatic. Bursting with berries at the back of the mouth, the Cabernet Sauvignon offers big structure in the finish to tie the blend together. The consumer will be rewarded after laying this wine away for 3 to 8 years of cellaring, as the 1997 Eros should reach its optimum drinking in 2003. Eros will match wonderfully with prime rib or grilled pheasant risotto. We hope that you enjoy this blend of love from Sunstone! Fred Rice - Winemaker