A sound, clean, dry Merlot from various parts of Sonoma County. Elegant and classy, with firm tannins framing rich flavors of red and black cherries, red currants, tobacco, cola and sweet, smoky sandalwood. Quite impressive at this price.

Another clear upgrade in quality is the 2007 Vintner's Reserve Merlot. This is even stronger than the 2006, which was an upgrade over earlier efforts. Elegant mocha and berry fruit intermixed with some herbs, coffee, and spice make for a delicious, round wine that is actually a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, all from Sonoma. Drink it over the next 2-4 years. The lowest level of the Kendall-Jackson empire, the Vintner's Reserve series, goes from strength to strength. For consumers hoping to maximize their dollar value, these serious wines are consistent choices. Their Chardonnay has always been good, but dramatic increases in quality have taken place in the Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon programs.

The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Grand Reserve Merlot (80% Sonoma and 20% Napa fruit) reveals notes of mocha, coffee beans, berries, spice and white chocolate. Although ready to consume, it should keep nicely for 5-6 years.

A rewarding Merlot; polished, supple and dry, that floods the mouth with cherry, blackberry and black raspberry flavors, and a coating of toasty oak. This is really a finely balanced, elegant wine.

Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet, concentrated, chewy mid-palate revealing notions of mocha, underbrush, and a pleasant resiny note. Medium-bodied, plump, and juicy, it is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years.

Ripened to black currant flavors and soft, tender tannins, this rich red ends with the scent of autumn leaves.

Bright red-ruby. Aromas of dark cherry, tobacco, earth and chocolate. Rather suave if subdued in the mouth, with a restrained sweetness to the tobacco, earth, spice and fresh herb flavors. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins. Conveys a sense of soil character.

Tannic; chocolate and plum aromas and flavors, and high-toned fruit.

Aromas of plum, cedar, graphite, licorice, bitter chocolate and currant leaf. Sweet, supple flavors of cherry, plum, cocoa powder, and truffle, given energy by harmonious acidity. Finishes with lush, even tannins and lingering notes of cocoa powder, plum truffle and herbs.

Dried cherries, whiffs of cocoa and a hint of pastry shop richness set this one off in the right direction, and its rounded, fleshy texture and ripe cherry flavors follow on nicely.

A perky red blend, this contains a bit of everything but somehow still works, offering zesty cherry, cracked pepper and toasty herb flavors, with just enough structure to keep this sailing. Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese.

Rich flavors and a juicy texture make this dark-colored but medium-bodied wine fun to drink. It smells like ripe boysenberries, tastes almost jammy, and has a nice grip on the palate. It comes with a very reasonable price tag for the quality.

Smooth and ripe with black cherry and blackberry fruit; a blend of more than seven varieties; lush and seamless with good balance. 50% Merlot, 22% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 7% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignan and other.

This serious red blend puts together a texture firmed up with gripping tannins and acidity, flavors brimming with blackberry and sweet spices and a lingering finish. Too structured to appreciate alone, it will need pairing with roast beef, lasagna, ribs or the like.

An intriguing blend, featuring smoky black cherry and spice aromas, with notes of zesty plum, toasted anise and tar. Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Grenache and Petite Sirah.

Kendall-Jackson is to be applauded for producing a wine of this quiet character at such an attractive price. It's not one of those muscular, in-your-face California reds, but rather a subtle blend of Merlot, Cabernet, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and other. It's medium-bodied, flavorful, well rounded and delicious, with an elegance that is uncommon at below $15. The tannins are well integrated and supple, allowing the predominantly red-fruited character of the wine to shine. Is it a wine for the ages? No. Is it a wine for tonight? Most definitely.

Ripe and firm, with a burst of blackberry, violet and black cherry flavors. Herb, cedar and earth tones fold in on the finish, where there's a trace of heat.

The Great Estates offerings are impressive...1999 Great Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley...Its dense purple color is accompanied by smoky black currant fruit intermixed with minerals and toasty oak. Although closed, it possesses medium to full body, good richness, and plenty of tannin.

Offers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and a red plum-fruit core, with caramel and tobacco accents. Aromas are of figs and Indian spices; one reviewer found the fruit a bit candied. This is a very good Cab. ...Finishes with bitter chocolate.

Intense, with a complex mix of dry, dusty berry, currant, black cherry, cedar, mineral and anise. Depth and richness to the flavors.

Although made in a lighter, leaner less concentrated style, the 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Great Estates Napa offers blueberry, camphor, and black currant fruit, medium body, and Bordeaux-like weight...

Ripe and juicy, here's a Cab that rises to the occasion, with fine currant, berry and herbal aromas, compounded with spicy oak. Very dry and fancy, it offers plenty of balance and harmony, and tastes soft, rich and complex.

Look for spicy, peppery, blackberry aromas with some resin and barnyard and a touch of wax. Round and rich with soft tannins. Long, stylish red, good value. Ready to drink, although it will keep easily through 2003. Fine value.

…exhibit dark ruby/purple color, abundant spicy oak, medium body, and moderate tannin. …cuts a more structured, richer mouthfeel, with tobacco, cassis, and licorice characteristics.

Deep ruby purple hue. Moderately full-bodied. Balanced acidity. Moderately extract. Mildly oaked. Moderately tannic. Minerals, black fruits, vanilla. Aromatically reserved, but flavorful and rich on the palate. Firm structure throughout, with tannins clamping down on the finish.