This generous and somewhat seductive wine reminds a bit of fine Merlot in its frontal sweetness and outgoing smells of berries, cherries, caramel and chocolate, but, by mid-palate, it lays full claim to Cabernet as its tannins come into view. If on the gruff and somewhat astringent side of things just now, it has the right mix of fruity richness and vitality to keep improving for a good six or seven years.

Deep, dense, and solidly filled in the nose with lots of curranty fruit tied to rich oak and elements of dark chocolate, this rugged youngster is a little less inviting on the palate just now, and its ample flavors of concentrated fruit are beset by slightly outsized tannins. It finishes on the dry and austere side and needs some patience to make its way to beauty.

Scents of sweet apples and toasted oak barrels feature in this bottling's medium-intensity aromas, and its rounded, slightly viscous feel on the palate provides a comfortable platform for the somewhat beamy flavors that follow. It is ready now.

Soft with pear butter and bitter almond flavors, this lean Chardonnay needs decanting and something meaty as a veal chop to show its best.

It is far from being one of the deeper or more extracted Cabernets around, but this balanced fruity, oak-enriched effort has a fine sense of substance and delivers plenty of honest varietal character at the price.

Very good and a panel favorite. Oak and creamy nose with lots of butter, vanilla and some lime; lemon, apple, mango, pepper and rich butterscotch; balanced; well-made for the rich style.

The 2001 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the more fascinating wines I have tasted in a long time, an excellent value for its rich fruit, perfect varietal character and finesse.

Kendall-Jackson, founded 22 years ago, is renowned for its widely distributed Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay...(K-J) has made radical changes in how they make their wines, and that commitment is now showing up in their new releases…The latest version of this $12 (Vintner’s Reserve) Chardonnay 2002 is surprisingly better structured and more flavorful than any past version, and Ullom has developed a system to make the wine more consistent than in the past.

Spicy and blunt, this medium-to full-bodied Syrah can age several years.

There is a lot of serious fruit and structure in this $20 reserve wine from the indisputable king of restaurant Chardonnay. The reserve takes fruit up a notch from its popular Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay. More barrel exposure leads to a more complex palate of citrus and tropical fruit flavors with special notes of pineapple and coconut.

A rich, classic mix of blackberry and dark chocolate seamlessly fused with oak; nice, ripe tannins. Screwcap

More vibrant than the '01 with anise and herb notes and a lush, chewy texture. Black cherry and spice flavors; long, velvety finish.

Already bottled, this wine isn't scheduled to be released until March 2005. If you like your Cabs big, rich and chewy (and who doesn't?) it's never to early to start badgering your retailer or wholesaler to try to get you some of the 613 cases produced. Toasty notes accent dark chocolate and plum scents while intense cassis flavors fill the mouth. Sturdy; try after 2006

Solid Monterey Pinot, with hints of green herbs adding complexity to black cherry fruit. Cinnamon, cola, and caramel round out the finish of this medium-weight wine.

The most powerful of the Estate Merlot samples, it's also the ripest, with mocha and black cherry flavors. Structured finish.

Leesy and custardy, with melon and lime flavors accented by toast. Rich and weighty; finishes with caramel.

This is tighter and more elegant than the Vintner's Reserve bottling, with citrus leading the way, joined by notes of green apples and pears. It's oily and rich in the mouth, finishing with a toasty flourish of French oak. A solid value.

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

Once in the mouth, it's fruity and delicate, with cherry-berry flavors enhanced by mocha, vanilla and cinnamon. Feels silky on the palate, with a very crisp streak of acidity.

Herbaceous, with basil and oregano atop a tart cherry base. Crisp.

Bright-ruby red. Aromas of currant, game, cola, cocoa powder, herbs, tea and leather. Cool but supple in the mouth, with suggestions of black raspberry, menthol and brown sugar. Distinctly riper and sweeter than a couple of merlots I tasted from this producer, but the tannins nonetheless turn a bit tough on the back.

The wine that made K-J famous is as good as ever, maybe better. Honeysuckle and pear aromas and a slightly oily, sweet mouthfeel are balanced on the finish by tart green apples

Under-priced for the money--smooth as a politician's promise.

An elegant pinot, with tangy fruit flavors of dark cherry and plum. A hint of pepper. This pinot is subdued, yet rich. Integrated tannins. Clean and balanced.