Enormous yet supple, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend features vivid blue and black fruit accented by chocolate truffle and oak. A Sonoma meritage that should achieve Bordeaux-like longevity.

2002 Island Block Estate Chardonnay - Alexander Valley Wood smoky, vanilla-tinged buttered toast aromas leading to a fruity, spicy finish. The flavors suggest golden-skinned tree fruits and honey.

This Napa Cabernet's tannins tower as high as the mountain from which it is sourced, yet they are pleasingly coated in black cherry, blackberry, Christmas-cake spices, and a twist of mint.

Earthy, barnyard note. Peas, toast with a piney note. Well made. Drink now.

From the fog-chilled coast of Sonoma, this mesmerizing Chardonnay has an atmosphere as thick as a Collins novel: seductive hints of citrus blossom that waft like a lady's perfume, a bite of lemon, and brooding granite mineral wrapped in a texture as smooth as a silk stocking.

Powerful, intense pineappley nose. Fine attack, texture and concentration; lively acidity; taut and persistent. Drink now-2008.

A nice measure of ripe and well-formed cherryish fruit takes the lead in this mildly herbal and carefully oaked middleweight.

Violet, blackberry and vanilla aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft tannins and a fresh finish. Surprisingly lean. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2007. 690 cases made. -JS

Sweet tobacco and light berry aromas follow through to a medium to full bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Sangiovese. Best after 2007. 1160 cases made. -JS

Light violets, berries and flowers. Medium-bodied, with some fruit and tannins, but slightly hollow midpalate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Best after 2007. 1160 cases made. -JS

Some berry and cherry character with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Medium body. Light but pleasant. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah. Best after 2006. 7025 cases made. -JS

Blackberry and toasted oak with hints of coffee follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a light finish. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2005. 455 cases made. -JS

delicious wine, as well as a good value.

intense with concentrated fruit, a good core of acid and very firm tannins.

well-structured wine with bright black-cherry flavors accented with savory notes of olive and anise.

Subdued rather than a big, grassy style. Lovely aromas and flavors of orange peel, baked bread, tangelo and pineapple.

zingy acidity, bright apple and pear flavors

Tight, peppery style has generous black cherry and pomegranate flavors, lively acidity and fine tannins, beautifully proportioned, showing impressive depth and length. Needs time to let the pieces fall into place. Best from 2007 through 2015. 1,084 cases imported. -H.S.

Solid, well-made merlot from California. Jammy strawberry flavors, sweet vanillin oak.

Has a wonderful sense of freshness to the blueberry and plum flavors, shaded with peppermint and a touch of espresso as the finish lasts and lasts against mildly grippy tannins. Has style without sacrificing purity. Best from 2006 through 2015.

Very good and a panel favorite. Earth, wheat, blackberry, plum, cherry, toast, licorice and spice on nose and palate; ripe flavors; velvety tannins; long finish; a big wine.

2002 CHARDONNAY - SONOMA COUNTY Dry and acidy-tart, this is a wine of great structure and balance. The flavors veer toward lime custard, mangos, apricot, vanilla and slate, with a gentle overly of toasty oak. It's quite a sophisticated Chardonnay, and a great value.

Grown predominantly on Central Coast hillside, mountain and benchland vineyards, this gentle syrah has a voluptuous texture enriched by red and blue woodland berry fruit. Pretty remarkable at the price given its layers of aromatics, from licorice to dark-roast coffee and earthiness. A restrained style of syrah for grilled meats.

Supple, with a delicate mix of ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, it wins points for its understated nuances, gaining complexity on the aftertaste. Drink now.