Mondavi's 1991 Merlot exhibits spicy, cherry fruit, a healthy dark ruby color, fine suppleness, and a chewy, round, generous texture. It does not possess the complexity or length of the Cabernet, but it remains a fine effort that should provide delicious drinking for 7-8 years. This venerable Napa winery, which, justifiably, has enormous influence on the quality and direction of California winemaking, continues to perform admirably, pushing quality at both the vineyard and winery to greater heights. Readers who mistakenly believe size is not synonymous with quality must be surprised by the bevy of extraordinary wines turned out by the Mondavis. This winery's movement away from California's tendency to produce wines with excessive amounts of added acidity that are tart, often eviscerated (because of too much fining and filtering), began in 1987 with their Reserve reds. It has been vigorously continued, with the Mondavis now bottling virtually all their top white wines without filtration - a tribute to this family's commitment and dedication to excellence. Mondavi's new and up-coming releases reinforce Mondavi's position as the spiritual and qualitative leader of that segment of the California wine industry dedicated to producing world class, compelling wines. Tel. (707) 963-9611; Fax (707) 963-1007.