The 1997 Black Sears Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful and concentrated wine with substantial but supple tannins. Aromas of plum, cedar and lavender become notes of black tea, blackberry, cassis, tobacco and roasted coffee on the palate. The mountaintop vineyard once again shines with a bright acidity that speaks to the wines age-worthiness, as well as Howell Mountain's characteristic mineral component.