The flagship wine of Storybook Mountain Vineyards is their Reserve Estate. This wine has such aging potential that it is released late (the 1993 is being released this fall, and the 1994 in the fall of 1997). It is the most powerful and concentrated of the offerings reviewed in this segment, but in spite of its intensity and additional extract, alcohol, and fruit, the wine does not lose any finesse or elegance - a hallmark of this cuvee. The 1994 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, a tight but promising nose of black fruits, full body, admirable richness, and a measure of restraint and tightness that suggest it needs 1-3 years of cellaring. This is one Zinfandel that can be cellared for more than a decade with little fear of disappointment. It should hit its stride in 3-5 years and keep for 15 ... atypically long by Zinfandel standards.Proprietor Jerry Seps continues to be the most articulate defender of the school of winemaking that believes Zinfandel must be long-lived in order to garner fame and fortune. While there is no question that the Storybook Mountain Reserve will always be among the longer-lived wines of Napa, it appears that this winery has begun to fashion Zinfandels with more up-front, flattering appeal, lower acidity, and riper fruit.NOTE: All the wines in this article were tasted in May, 1996.Tel. (707) 942-5310