The dark colored 1997 Chambertin was harvested at a whopping 14.5% natural alcohol. It reveals an exuberant nose of roses and massively ripe red and black fruit. In their youth, Chambertins are generally rather backward and ungiving, yet this powerhouse explodes on the palate with untold layers of sweet cherries and blueberries. Velvety-textured, medium to full-bodied, broad, muscular, yet refined and noble, it is stunning to drink today, and yet should evolve magnificently over the course of the next dozen or so years. Under the guidance of Martin Prieur and the assistance of Maison Rodet's highly talented wine-maker, Nadine Gublin, Domaine Jacques Prieur crafted fabulous wines from the 1997 vintage. The estate's yields averaged 28 h/h. None of its wines have a natural potential alcohol below 12.5%, and not a single offering was either chaptalized or acidified, according to Prieur and Gublin. Importers: William Deutsch and Sons, Ltd., Armonk, NY; tel (914) 273-1221; fax (914) 273-1291, and Winesellers Ltd., Skokie, IL; tel (847) 679-0121; fax (847) 679-2017.