The medium to dark ruby-colored 1999 Merlot Pepper Bridge has black fruit and freshly laid asphalt aromas. Its dark, brooding personality reveals loads of blackberries, currants, and hints of grilled herbs. This firm, medium-bodied wine will require cellaring. Drink it between 2005 and 2012. Tel. (206) 463-3290.

High-toned blueberry, blackberry and cherry fruit is accented with nuances of herbs and chocolate. This is still tannic, young, grapey and tight; the winery is always one of the first to release their red wines. The Pepper Bridge vineyard is in Walla Walla, though the bottle’s label says Washington State. This wine clearly needs more time in bottle to reveal its deeper mysteries——P.G.(6/1/2001)—— 88