The Pleiades Lot XIII is a blend of Syrah, Barbera, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Mourvedre, and Grenache. Lot XIII is decidedly southern Rhone-like. Pepper, tobacco, spice box, sweet kirsch, and berry fruit jump from the glass of this rich, medium to full-bodied, supple, complex red. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Tel. (415) 868-1781

The Pleiades Lot XII, a blend of Syrah, Barbera, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel, tastes like a perverted Italian Piedmontese effort. Earthy, animal-like aromas are followed by nicely textured, sweet berries, cherries, Chinese black tea, and tobacco characteristics. This cleverly crafted, seductive, complex, delicious offering should be consumed over the next several years. Tel. (415) 868-1781

This wine, a non-vintage blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, Carignan, Petit Sirah, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Merlot, displays a light to medium ruby color, followed by a spicy, cherry, earthy-scented nose, medium body, a lush texture, and a soft, fruity finish. It is a tasty bistro-styled red to drink over the next 1-2 years. Tel. (415) 868-1781

With a translucent ruby color and silky texture, this could be a Pinot Noir. But it’s a blend of Sangiovese, Voignier, Mourvedre and several other varieties, and shows its own unique profile. Dry and crisp, the flavors are fruity, floral, herbal and spicy. Raspberries, cherries, thyme, white pepper, bacon, oregano and smoky sandalwood only begin to describe the complexities. They change by the second in the glass, but always finish dry. ——S.H.(6/1/2011)—— 93