The stunning, black/purple-colored 1997 Syrah offers extraordinary purity of creme de cassis and peppery-like aromas, and powerful, concentrated, full-bodied flavors, with the fruit and glycerin dominating all other components. There is enough acidity to buttress this large wine's considerable power and intensity. Vague notions of licorice, tar, and spice emerge with coaxing. However, this is a giant fruit bomb that should continue to gain complexity, and become more delineated with bottle age. It should drink well for 12-15 years.