The medium to dark ruby-colored 1997 Corton Bressandes (bottled unfined and unfiltered, like most of Domaine Jacques Prieur's offerings) displays a sur-maturite-laced, cherry and licorice-scented nose. This is an expansive, beautifully rendered, elegant, and powerful wine. Medium to full-bodied, intricate, opulent, and sweet, its flavor profile is composed of blackberries and tar. Projected maturity: now-2009. 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.