The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker's Reserve's saturated ruby/purple color is accompanied by a forward, fragrant bouquet consisting of black fruits, toasty oak, licorice, and spice aromas. Dense and medium to full-bodied, with outstanding purity and overall balance, this is a seductive, precocious Cabernet that will be delicious upon release yet last for 15 years. Smart buyers in search of wines with an excellent quality/price rapport have been seeking out Chateau Souverain's offerings for a number of years. The current and up-coming releases continue to offer "real" wine drinkers tasty choices. ($35; release 12/02)Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174