could easily be confused with one of its German or Austrian counterparts, given its dryness, sleekness and mineral component.

Juicy, with good concentration to beef, pomegranate and cola flavors highlighted by mocha oak and round structure. Drink now through 2006.

Ripe and juicy, with fleshy plum, blackberry and wild berry fruit. Supple in texture, with notes of leather and mineral.

This Bordeaux-style red is cloaked in a royal robe of dark purple fruit-- blackberry, black cherry, dark plum--that enfolds a treasure of flavors: lavender, vanilla, coffee, toasted oak.

An indigo-dark, velvet-soft red, this Cabernet Sauvignon broods with dark chocolate and espresso that bespeak its mountain terroir.

In a sultry Saint-Émilion style, this Cabernet Franc-based wine from Sonoma resonates with boysenberry, chocolate and loamy earth. Definitely the ideal accompaniment to tenderloin of beef.

Essentially a Merlot cut with Cabernet Franc, this dark wine blends blackberry, perfumed rose, and fresh-brewed coffee.

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.