Pleasant band of cedar, spice and currant flavors, but they lack richness and lose concentration on the finish. (Also appeared 9/15/96).

Purple. Medium-bodied. Balanced acidity. Highly extracted and oaked. Quite tannic. Black fruits, flowers, tar. Weighty on the tongue, with well integrated flavors and subtle, complex aromatics. Finishes firmly, but seems a bit closed at present.

Medium-bodied, decent, slightly above average quality wine that is pleasant, but unexciting.

The 2001 Merlot exhibits deep colors, but has hard tannins, a certain austerity, and a noticeable lack of texture as well as persistence on the palate.

Reddish brick color. Medium-bodied. Moderately extracted. Mildly oaked and tannic. Green tea, cherry, strawberry Restrained nose leads an accessible palate in warm fruity style without marked complexity.

"Shows off earthy cola and wild berry notes with a leathery edge that carries over to the finish, where a funky note chimes in. Tastes like an old-style California Pinot Noir." (Also appeared 2/28/97).

"Pleasant enough, with hints of cherry, herb, cedar and spice. Drinks well now." (Also appeared 2/28/97).

The 1994 Merlot Vintner's Reserve, no longer a value at $17, offers a medium ruby color, an herbal, berry-scented nose, adequate, ripe, medium-bodied flavors, and a spicy finish.

Smooth and simple, with modest cherry and currant flavors that finish with an herbal, menthol note and modest tannins.

...exhibits a strawberry and berry-scented nose, medium-bodied, and an elegant, light style. It is very perfumed and attractive in a low key sort of way. It should drink well for 4-5 years.

Has hints of spice and pear, but it's straightforward. A good, quenching quaff.

Bright lemon and honey notes are at the core of this spicy wine. It moves to reveal some peach and apple at the end. Enjoyable but lacking balance.

Fresh and citrusy. A lively wine with refreshing grapefruit and floral flavors.

Fresh and fruity, with lively pear and pineapple flavors that finish bright and clean. Ready now.

Simple and innocent, a small Sauvignon with hints of citrus fruits and figs. Very dry, with crisp acidity and a clean, peppery finish.

Medium reddish purple. Medium-bodied. Moderately extracted. Moderately oaked. Moderately tannic. Oak-dominated nose leads a mild black cherry and pepper palate with bitter notes on the finish.

Chalky notes accent the firm and savory-edged flavors of melon, green apple and overripe peach. Muddled finish. Drink now.

With burnt popcorn as the lead scent and an herbal streak that can't be denied, Kendall-Jackson's attempt at Tuscan Cabernet Franc (with 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiove) requires too much sacrifice. The flavors are of rhubarb and raspberry, with spice and tomato sauce along for the ride. Has size and potency, but not much charm.

A heavy wine, atypical of the appellation, which usually produces light-bodied and elegant Pinots. There's something earthy & thick about this one, almost rustic. The flavors are fruity but it lacks the delicacy an Anderson Vly Pinot Noir ought to have, and there's an unpleasant sting of acidity.

Firm and tart, with chocolate, game and fresh herb flavors. Tannins are crisp in the finish. Drink now through 2005.

Light and zingy, with tart cranberry and cherry flavors. A distinctive style, but not a typical Cabernet.