1997 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Merlot, Napa Valley, $35, 93 pts, C4N4-F4A3T4E4TFR3: This well-crafted Merlot exhibits a deep red color and pleasant oak/fruit nose that will develop with time. It is rich, concentrated and complex with a slight tannic edge. The Merlot fruit shines through. Relatively smooth and easy to drink, this wine will improve with 6 to 12 months of bottle age. Lots of potential. Tasted 8/20/00.

1998 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley, $45, 92pts, C4-N4-F4-A3T3E4-TFR3: The nose is a very appealing mixture of butterscotch, oak and classic fruit aromas. Sweet fruit and a lingering rich finish enhance this well-balanced wine. Should improve with one year of bottle age. Barrel fermented and French oak aged, the Reserve designation is only used in exceptional vintages. Tasted 8/28/00.

1998 Steele Pinot Noir, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros, $30, 94 pts, C4N?F4-A3T3+E4TFR3: Displaying an enticing deep red rich color, this is a beautiful PN from a difficult vintage. It offers classic PN flavors in a semi-rich, potential complex body. The concentration results from a very low yield of 1 ton/acre. A bargain compared with other "name" Pinot Noirs. Great now, but could be better in one year. Tasted 8/11/00.

1998 Steele Chardonnay, Du Pratt Vineyard, Mendocino, $29, 93 pts, C4-N3?F4A3T3E4-TFR3: This beauty shows a yellow-green iridescent color and a reticent nose. It's a viscous mouthful with complex flavors. Powerfully elegant. Very smooth and easy drinking. One of the best 98 chards I've tasted. Tasted 8/11/00.

1998 Beringer Chardonnay, Sbragia-Limited Release, Napa Valley, $40, 93 pts, C4N4?F4A3T3E4-TFR3: Exhibiting a deep, luscious yellow color, this toasty, rich chard is a mouthful. Very Burgundian except with more fruit. A big, heavy duty wine. Carmel and toasted oak on the long finish. Possibly too oaky on the finish? Will be more harmonious in one year. Wait. Excellent for the 1998 vintage. Tasted 8/10/00.

1996 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir, Little Hill Block, Russian River Valley , $45, 86 pts, C3N4-F3-A3T4-E3-TFR1: With color on the light side, but a delightful raspberry/strawberry nose, this PN lacks stuffing. "Elegant" with little fruit. Drink now. Tasted 8/10/00.

1999 Chateau St. Jean Gewürztraminer, Sonoma County, $9, 88 pts, C3N3F3A3T3E3-TFR1: Starting with a wonderful flowery nose and then a touch of spice in the mouth with excellent acid, this Gewürz represents a super value. It rivals high quality Alsatians. Should be consumed now. Tasted 8/6/00.

1998 Columbia Crest Chardonnay, Columbia Valley (Washington), $10, 89 pts, C3+N3F3A3T3E3-TFR1: Probably the best $10 Chardonnay you can buy. Always a great value. The color is an attractive dark straw while the nose reveals some pleasant tropical nuances. This tasty 100% Chardonnay has a semi-rich mouth-feel and a moderately long finish. At 0.17% residual sugar, it's dry. Drink it now. Tasted 7/17/00.

1998 Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, Camelot Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, $17, 90 pts, C3+N3?F3+A3T3E3+TFR1: This 100% Chardonnay derives most of its fruit (97%) from Santa Maria Valley (CA). It's barrel aged for 8 months in a combination of French and American oak. Tangy and semi-rich in the mouth, it possesses excellent structure and good flavor. Should be better in six months, but drink young. Tasted 6/6/00.

1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, $ Big Bucks, 97+ pts, C5-N?F5-A3T4E5-TFR3: Another fantastic Cab from the incredible 97 vintage. Although the nose is shut down now, in the mouth, this wine displays mouth-coating deliciousness with potential multiple layers of complexity. The soft, fine tannins present give it excellent structural integrity. The long, lingering, gritty finish will gain more character and complexity with time. This monster needs several years to equilibrate. Hold off for two years. Tasted 5/6/00.

1997 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville (Napa Valley), $?, 93+ pts, C4+N?F4A3T4+E4: This is a tannic, big, brawny wine that needs a few years of taming. It is thick, rich, and mouth-coating with great flavor and excellent structure. Another wonderful 1997 Cab. Tasted 5/6/00.

1997 BR Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon, Olive Hill Vyd., Sonoma, $?, 94+ pts, C5-N3?F4+A3T4-E4+TFR3: This fabulous Cab exhibits a seductive, deep red color and a closed nose. Amazingly concentrated and rich on the palate, it shows complexity now and the gives the promise of more to come. The finish is long, lingering and complex. A delicious wine that should be even better in a few years. 5/19/00.

1998 Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, Paradise Vyd., Arroyo Seco, $17, 87 pts, C3+N3+F3A3T3E3-TFR1: This Chardonnay comes from the coldest locations of Monterey County, and has a citrusy quality. The nose is fruity with a hint of tropical aromas. Chardonnay fruit is at the forefront on the palate and the finish is slightly sweet. Not complex, but pleasant drinking. Tasted 5/22/00.

1997 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, Robert Young Vyd., Alexander Valley, $24, 91 pts, C3+N4-F3+A3T3E3+TFR3: Exhibiting tropical and juicy fruit aromas and flavors, this is a clean, polished wine with elegance and subtle power. Its semi-rich, delineated flavors showcase the purity of the Chardonnay fruit. Great balance and pleasing finish. Should improve a little with bottle age, but don't hold. Tasted 4/25/00.

1997 Gainey Merlot, Santa Ynez Valley, $15, 90 pts, C5-N?F4-A3T4E3+TFR3: Closed nose. Sweet rich fruit with a chalky tannic finish. Nice balance and concentration for a $15 Santa Barbara County Merlot! Tasted 4/8/00.

1998 Estancia Pinnacles Chardonnay, Monterey, $10, 90 pts, C3N3F3+A3T3E3+TFR1: Buy it and consume it. It's very tasty, but not an ager. Tropical and pear on the nose leads to good concentration and enticing flavors with a moderately long finish. A nicely balanced wine that won't overwhelm your senses. Hard to beat at that price. Tasted 4/8/00.

1997 Groth Merlot, Napa Valley, $40, 92+ pts, C4+N?F4-A3T4E4TFR3: Composed of 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this Merlot displays an enticing color and closed nose. The rich mouthfeel gives way to a tannic bite. It's rich and tannic. The finish is long, lush and complex. This is a fully stuffed Merlot that should be better in a year or two after the tannins soften. Excellent potential. 3800 cases produced. Tasted 3/21/00. 

1997 St. Clement OROPPAS, Napa Valley, $40, 93 pts, C5-N3?F4+A3T4E4+TFR3: Starting with a very attractive, deep red color, this wine is loaded with rich fruit and complexity woven around an exquisite structure. The finish is long, slightly tannic and filled with delicious red fruit flavors. Hold for one year to allow  wine to reach optimum equilibration. This Oroppas is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvigon, 30% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. It was aged 13 months in French and Hungarian oak. 3000 cases produced. Tasted 3/5/00.

1997 Estancia Meritage, Alexander Valley, $25, 86 pts, C4+N3?F3A3T4-E3TFR3: Composed of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, this wine is very drinkable with good concentration. However, it has a big hole in the middle, lacking mid-palate flavor and richness. If your tastes tend towards less powerful, stylish wines, it may be for you. Tasted 3/4/00.

1998 Domaine Bott-Geyl Gewurztraminer, Sonnenglanx, Alsace Grand Cru, $29, 90 pts, C3N3F3+A3T3E3+TFR1: Exhibiting a good balance of fruit and acid, this Gewurz is semi-rich, crisp and clean with a moderate length finish. Tasted 3/4/00.

1998 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, Sonoma County, $12, 87 pts, C3N3?F3-A3+T3E3-TFR1: This is an appley, tart style Chardonnay with sweet fruit, good balance and a pure finish. Could use more complexity. Tasted 3/3/00.

1997 St. Clement Merlot, Napa Valley, $26, 92 pts, C5-N?F4A3T4E4-TFR3: Exhibiting a closed oak/fruit nose, this full-bodied, concentrated Merlot has several years to go before it reaches equilibrium. Relatively smooth and rich with a slight tannic bite on the finish that should round out with time. This wine has character and should develop nicely over the next two years. Composition: 92% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc. Released Feb 15, 2000. Tasted 2/22/00.

1998 Chateau Souverain Chardonnay, Sonoma County, $14, 90 pts, C3+N3+F3+A3T3E3+TFR1: Leading with a very appealing toasted oak nose, this wine coats the mouth with caramel and tropical flavors. Aged sur lie with lees stirring every month for eight months, this yummy Chardonnay underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. Drink early. Tasted 2/17/00

1996 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Series, Columbia Valley, $16, 84 pts, C4N3-F3-A3T4-E3-TFR1: A light, easy drinking Cab that won't knock your socks off, but does have an appeal that's hard to describe. Tasted 2/16/00.  

1997 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $35, 90 pts, C5-N3?F4A3T3+E3+TFR3: Rich and loaded with Cab fruit and flavors, this wine exhibits soft tannins and a slightly sweet fruit finish which trails off instead of lingering. Will finish improve with time? Tasted 2/7/00.

1998 Joseph Phelps Chardonnay, Los Carneros, $22, 92 pts, C3N3+F4-A3T3E4-TFR1: This well-balanced wine is pleasantly tropical with a long, flavorful Chardonnay finish. Tasted 2/3/00.

1997 Joseph Phelphs Merlot, Napa Valley, $35, 90 pts, C4N?F4-A3T4E3+TFR3: A closed cedar nose leads to a mouthful of Merlot fruit on the palate. Good balance and concentration, but needs a year of bottle age to gain complexity and lose the tannic edge on the long finish. Excellent potential. Wait a year or two. Tasted 1/31/00.

1997 Brown Estate Vineyards Zinfandel, Napa Valley, $22, 94 pts, C4N4-F4A3T3+E4TFR3: A spicy Zin nose leads to a very rich mouth-feel with exotic flavors and a long, lingering finish. The best 97 Zin I've tasted in this price range. Family owned. 1000 cases produced. Tasted 1/29/00. Newcomer. Tel. 707-963-2435.

1997 Aida Zinfandel, Aida Vineyard, Napa Valley, $37, 90 pts, C4-N3?F3+A3T3+E3+TFR3: An elegant, structured style Zin with a moderately long, slightly spicy finish. Tasted 1/29/00.

1997 Saxon Brown Zinfandel, Casa Santinamaria Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, $35, 92? pts, C5-N?F4A3T4E4?TFR3: Excellent, concentrated Zin fruit leads to a slightly woody finish which should moderate with time. Tasted 1/29/00.

1997 Tria Zinfandel, Napa Valley, $18, C4N3F3+A3T4-E3+TFR3+: Smooth Zin fruit with a hint of spice on the finish. Good value. Tasted 1/29/00.

1997 High Rocks Merlot, Napa Valley, $20, 91 pts, C4N4?F4-A3T4E4-TFR3: Pleasant nose of oak and fruit aromas lead to a tight but concentrated Merlot. Excellent structure with a chalky tannin backbone. Lots of potential. Should open and gain complexity with a few years of bottle age. Only 472 cases produced. Tasted 1/23/00.

1997 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon, 16th Anniversary Release, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, $75, 96 pts, C5-N4F4+A3T4-E4+TFR3: An oak/fruit nose leads to sweet, rich fruit in the mouth that follows through in the long finish. This big Cab, from the awesome 1997 vintage, exhibits layered flavors and possesses the potential to develop awesome complexity with time. Great effort! Tasted 1/23/00.

1998 Groth Chardonnay, Napa Valley, $?, 90 pts, C3+N3F3+A3T3E3TFR1: The juicy fruit nose continues on to the palate with layered tropical flavors. This well-made Chard has great structure and a smooth, pleasant character. The finish is semi-rich and long. Tasted 1/17/00.

1996 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, South Australia, $21, 92 pts, C5-N?F4-A3T4E4-TFR3: This big, rich, tannic wine tastes great! It's thick on the palate with excellent balance and structure. The nose is closed and the finish has excellent potential. Both should develop nicely with time. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (Syrah). Tasted 1/8/00.

1996 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia, $60, 92+ pts, C5N3+F4A3T4-E4-TFR3: Inky, opaque in color, nuances of vanilla eminate from a semi-closed nose. Relatively smooth and tight, this Cab needs time to gain complexity. The tannic sweet fruit finish has good potential, but shows a little thin now. Tasted 1/8/00.

1995 Grand Mayne, St.-Emilion, Grand Cru Classe, $39, 90? pts, C5-N4-F4-A3T4E4-TFR3: One is overwhelmed with chocolate on the nose and in the mouth. This brawny, sem-rich St.-Emilion exhibits good concentration, but a tannic finish which leads one to wonder if it will ever balance. Will the tannins soften before the fruit fades? It's difficult to tell. Try again in two years. Tasted 1/8/00.

1997 Duckhorn Merlot, Napa Valley, $36, 96 pts, C5-N?F4+A3+T3+E4+TFR3: This wonderful Merlot from Duckhorn is 79% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Rich, smooth, and enticing with great balance and a long, delicious finish. Loaded with Merlot fruit with the added Cabs contributing power and structure. Should get even better  with a couple years of bottle age. Released 9/1/99. Tasted 11/9/99. Note: The 1997 Howell Mountain Merlot is released in 2001.

1998 Chateau St. Jean Gewürztraminer, Sonoma County, $9, 90 pts, C3N3?F4A3T3E3+TFR1: Pale straw in color, this Gewürz displays excellent richness with complementary spiciness. Subtle pear and citrus flavors add to a spicy, balanced finish. Drink now. Tasted 12/28/99.

1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, $33, 96 pts, C5-N3+F4+A3T3+E4+TFR3: A great effort in a vintage that will be quickly forgotten after the release of the 1997s. One of the best 1996s I've tasted, this wine is extremely well-crafted with exquisite balance and depth of flavors. It possesses layered richness and complexity with a long, delicious finish.  It's so outstanding and drinkable now, I'm not sure it can improve. Although mostly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), winemaker Steve Reeder blended in small quantities of Cabernet Franc (8%), Malbec (3%), Merlot (11%) and Petit Verdot (3%), hence, the name Cinq Cépages (Five Varieties). Released 12/99. Tasted 12/25/99.

1993 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, $??, 92 pts, C4N3+F4-A3T3+E4-TFR1: This is an excellent wine from a mediocre vintage. Great balance and finesse with good concentration and structure. Very well constructed for a weak vintage. Competes with, and surpasses, many 92 Cabs. Ready to drink. Great winemaking effort! Tasted 12/24/99.

1992 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $??, 92 pts, C4+N4F4A3T3E4-TFR1: Smooth, balanced and very drinkable, this Cab is loaded with rich fruit flavors and a moderately long finish. Although slightly lacking in complexity, it makes up with overall richness and consumer friendliness. Ready to drink. Tasted 12/24/99.

1996 Beringer Merlot, Bancroft Ranch, Howell Mountain, $75, 96 pts, C5-N4?F4+A3T4-E4+TFR3: Another great wine from Beringer! This time the Bancroft Ranch Merlot. Essentially opaque color and closed/cedar nose leads to a very rich and smooth mouthful with a slight tannic bite on a long, developing finish. Mouth-coating, thick and complex are adjectives that jump into my mind when tasting this Merlot. Although easy to consume now, should improve with a few years of bottle age. Tasted 11/13/99.

1990 Pierre Moncuit, Blanc de Blanc, Brut Champagne, $33, 91 pts, C4N4-F3+A3+T3E4-: If you've followed the prices of 1990 vintage Champagne, you recognize this as a real bargain! Medium dark straw color with a classic Champagne nose of yeast and dough. Rich, smooth and flavorful with a good length finish.  Great value. Ready for the millenium. Tasted 11/11/99.

1993 L'Ermitage, Anderson Valley, $25, 88 pts, C3N3F3A3T3E3: This California sparkler from Sonoma County exhibits a pale yellow color. It's very tasty with good structure and elegance. It held its own in a Champagne blind tasting. Tasted 11/11/99.

1997 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley, $25, 91 pts, C5-N3?F4-A3T4-E4-TFR3: Starting with an enticing dark red color and a closed nose that should evolve with some bottle age, the wine shows sweet, rich fruit encased in background tannins. The finish is highlighted by jammy fruit and moderate length. Although not as opulent as other 97s, this is an excellent example from an extradinary vintage. The price is very reasonable for a quality 1997 Napa Cab. It will improve with 1 to 2 years of bottle age. Tasted 10/27/99.

1996 Beringer Alluvium, Knights Valley, $30, 90+ pts, C4N3+F3+A3T4E3+?TFR3: Alluvium, Beringer's five grape Bordeaux blend, is Merlot dominated (75%), with the remainder being Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Red berries and mild oak dominate the nose. Tangy, semi-concentrated flavors are followed by a tannic bite on a moderate length finish with pleasant oak derived flavors. Needs time to equilibrate. Should improve with two years of bottle age. Tasted 10/25/99.

1997 Pezzi King Zinfandel, SLR, Dry Creek Valley, $22, 90+ pts, C4N3+F3+A3T4E3+TFR3: This exceptionally well made Zin exhibits loads of red berry on the nose and subtle, enticing flavors of bright red fruit in the mouth ending with a long, pleasing finish. Will improve with one years bottle age, but don't hold longer than two. With few exceptions, Zins are best when consumed within 3 years of vintage. "SLR" stands for Small Lot Reserve. 900 cases. Tasted 10/17/99.

1987 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon, Private Reserve, Napa Valley, 96 pts, C4+N4F4+A3T3+E4TFR3: Wow! What a tasty morsel we have here! The color is brilliant red and shows no signs of age. The nose is very Bordeaux-like with some earth/truffle. Sweet rich fruit lead to a smooth, silky, long, complex finish. Drinking deliciously now, it can go longer with proper cellaring. An example of  well-stored California Cab. Decanted about 90 minutes prior to tasting. Tasted 10/16/99.

1997 Gallo Sonoma Chardonnay, Laguna Ranch Vineyard, Russian River Valley, $20, 94 pts, C4N4F4A3T3E4TFR1: Caramelized nose; buttery and rich in the mouth with tropical nuances and appley overtones; lingering, complex finish. Quite a tasty drop. Could use 6 months of bottle age, but don't wait more than a year or two. About 50% of this chardonnay is made from wine that was allowed to ferment solely on indigenous yeasts. The grapes were whole cluster membrane pressed, bypassing the crusher, with only free run juice used in the fermentation. Tasted 10/9/99.

1995 Gallo Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, Frei Ranch Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, $25, 94 pts, C5N3?F4A3T4E4TFR3: This superb Cab has a closed nose, but lots of concentrated fruit embedded in a firm tannic structure. The finish is long and has the potential to gain added complexity with a few years of bottle age. Made from 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, it was aged in a combination of American and French oak for just under two years. It was not fined and received minimal filtration prior to bottling. At this price,   a bargain compared to other 95s. Tasted 10/9/99.

1996 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander's Crown Vineyard, Northern Sonoma, $?, 89+ pts, C4N4F3A3T4E3TFR3: This deep red colored wine exhibits aromas of red berries and oak. Sweet and spicy in the mouth with lots of cherry fruit and a moderate finish. A well constructed Cab with a slightly thin mid-palate, which hopefully will fill in with some bottle age. Best to wait one or two years before consumption. Tasted 10/5/99.

1997 Rabbit Ridge Zinfandel, Estate Reserve Rabbit Ridge Ranch, Russian River Valley, $28, 92 pts, C4N3+?F4A3T3+E4-TFR3: Starting with a cedar/closed nose, this Zin was smooth and tangy on the palate with excellent richness and balance. The finish was lingering with a slight tannic bite. A well-constructed wine that will get better over the next year, but should be consumed within two to derive maximum pleasure. Tasted 9/30/99.

1997 Pezzi King Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, $21, 90 pts, C4-N3?F3+A3T3+E3+TFR3: PK produces delicious Zin and this is no exception. A deep red color lures one to a closed nose of cedar and oak. The palate is treated to very sweet Zin fruit with a tannic edge. The finish is moderately long and relatively smooth. Very easy drinking. Should be better in one year, but don't hold more than two. Tasted 9/25/99.

1991 Chateau Montrose, Saint-Estephe, $?, 92 pts, C4N4F3+A3T3+E4-: What a great wine from an off Bordeaux vintage! 1991 was not a stellar vintage for Red Bordeaux, but this baby is complete a mild earth, truffle nose and a silkiness in the mouth that I did not expect. There's a little bite but excellent balance and pedigree. It's drinking beautifully now, but should last several more years with good cellaring. Tasted 9/18/99.

1991 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, Eisele Vineyard, $?, 95+ pts, C5-N4F4+A3T3+E4?: Exhibiting subtle, reserve flavors and mouth-coating richness, this wine needs more time to develop its full potential. Possessing latent complexity, it is still very tightly wound and immature. My first and lasting impression of this wine is its richness and how well it should develop with more bottle age. Note: Very "clean" in contrast to the 91 Montrose. Tasted 9/18/99.

1996 Joseph Phelps Syrah, Napa Valley, $30, 90 pts, C4+N3?F4-A3T3+E3+TFR3: Exhibiting an inviting bright, deep red color and closed (alcohol/cedar) nose, this smooth, rich, slightly spicy Syrah has a soft, lingering finish. Although easy drinking now, should be better in one year. Tasted 9/7/99.

1997 Joseph Phelps Ovation Chardonnay, Napa Valley, $40, 96pts, C3+N4+F4A3T3E4+TFR1: Rich tropical/oak aromas emanate from this 100% barrel-fermented, wild yeast Chardonnay that underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. Juicy fruit, pineapple and other complex flavors are enveloped in mouth-coating richness. Layers of flavor and complexity greet the palate as the wine traverses the mouth culminating in a long, delicious finish. Drink this one over the next two years; it won't get much better! Released June 1999. Tasted 9/5/99.

1997 Robert Mondavi Chardonnay, Napa Valley, $?, 85 pts, C3N3?F3A3T3E3-TFR1: Not big and lush, but  good quality with middle of the road richness. Well-made, balanced and smooth, it drinks very well and is ideal for everyday consumption. Tasted 9/1/99.

1995 Concannon Petite Sirah Reserve, Central Coast, $22, 94 pts, C5-N3+F4A3T3+E4TFR3: This Sirah looks good and tastes good. It massages the palate with rich flavors imbedded in a firm but soft structure. Smooth, silky finish. The composition is 98% Petite Sirah, 1% Zinfandel and 1% Syrah, 83% of which is from the Livermore Valley. (Note: Need 85% for Livermore Valley appellation.) Although  released in December 1998, it's still available. Call tasting room, 925-456-2505, for more information. Tasted 8/6/99.

1991 Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 99 pts, C5-N4F5-A3T3+E5TFR3: I pulled this wine from my cellar to see how the 91s were doing and was blown away! The deep red, semi-opaque color shows no signs of age. Greeted with a fragrant nose, and then sweet, viscous fruit, the youth of this wine is apparent.  Multi-layered richness and complexity lead to a delicious, lingering finish. Moderate to heavy bottle coating sediment. If you're lucky enough to have this in your cellar, it's drinking wonderfully now and should keep for several more years. Don't wait too long as it can't get much better. Since most collectors are not that familiar with this label, you may be able to find it for a reasonable price. It's well worth the search. Tasted 7/20/99.

1997 Villa Mt. Eden Zinfandel, Grand Reserve, Mead Ranch Vineyard, Napa Valley, $21, 90 pts, C4N3?F3+A3T4E3+TFR3: This spicy style zin is characterized by chaulky tannins, good concentration and flavor. It needs time to mellow and harmonize. Better in one year. Tasted 7/20/99.

1997 Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, Camelot Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley (CA), $20, 93 pts, C3+N4F4A3T3E4TFR3: The color is a fresh yellow with some green tones; butterscotch nose; silky smooth; mouthcoating richness; excellent structure; lingering finish. Actual retail should be less than $20 making it an excellent buy. Tasted 7/15/99.

1997 Miner Chardonnay, Napa Valley, $26, 94 pts, C3N3+F4A3T3E4?TFR3: Made from grapes grown in mountain vineyards in and near the Oakville appellation high above the Napa Valley floor. It was barrel fermented and aged sur lies in French oak for 11 months. Hints of vanilla on the nose; a little butter; richness on the palate; complex flavors; nice lingering finish. Needs one year to equilibrate. Tasted 7/5/99. Note: The "Wild Yeast" sister of this wine rated 89 pt lacking richness in comparison, while the 97 Oakville Ranch Miner Chardonnay was disappointingly light. (Bad bottle?) Interestingly, the best Miner Chardonnay was the least expensive!

1997 Beringer Chardonnay, Sbragia-limited Release, Napa Valley, 97 pts, C3+N4F4+A3T3E4+TFR3: Starting with an invitingly delicious carmelized oak, burnt sugar nose, this thick, rich Chardonnay possesses a viscous mouth-feel through the finish and into the next life! Complex and lingering, this is truly a decadent mouthful that exhibits a mirad of awesome flavors. It competes with the best vintages of Grand Cru White Burgundy. Tasted 7/4/99.

1995 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Coastlands Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, 95 pts, C4+N4F4A3T3+E4TFR3: Starting with a very Burgundian nose (i.e., slightly earthy/barnyardy), the mouth is showered with heavy Pinot Noir red fruit, raspberry, strawberry. This WS will develop and last over a longer time frame than most Pinot Noirs which normally should be consumed within 5 years or less of vintage. Tasted 7/4/99. Note: There was significant sediment present in the bottle.

1996 White Cottage Merlot, Howell Mountain, $50, 95 pts, C4N3?F4+A3T3+E4+TFR3: Nose closed; flavor packed; very soft and rich; well-balanced, smooth; glides down. Tasted 7/3/99.

1990 Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $?, 96 pts, C5-N4F4+A3T3E4+TFR1: This amazing wine has a nose of truffle, earth, barn and leather. It is rich looking and rich tasting with excellent concentration of fruit. It simultaneously exhibits smoothness and great texture. Complex, layered flavors lead to a remarkable lingering finish. A GREAT, ready-to-drink Napa Valley Cab. With good cellaring, it can go longer but why wait? This is the best 90 Cab I have tasted to date. Tasted 6/28/99.

1996 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $32, 90 pts, C4N3+F4-A3T4E4-TFR3: This is a straightforward, come right at you Cab with guts. It possesses the essence of Cab flavors, good concentration and a moderately long finish. It will improve with bottle aging. Try again in one year. Tasted 6/26/99.

1995 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, $45, 96 pts, C5N3?F4+A3T4+E4TFR3+: The wine is opaque, and the nose woody and closed. In the mouth, the great structure is apparent and the wine exhibits rich flavors with a slight astringency on the finish. This Dunn has complexity in its future. It will balance with time and ultimately be an extraordinary wine. Try the 1986 and 1987 Dunn's, they are still very young looking and tasting while many of their "colleagues" are peaked or over the top. Tasted 5/13/99.

1996 Peter Michael "Les Pavots", Knights Valley, $73, 94 pts, C4+N3?F4A3T4-E4TFR3: The nose is cedar/closed with rich fruit and a firm structure evident. Smooth and mouth-coating with a lingering finish. Tasted 5/13/99.