The 2002 Reserve Claret possesses a lush texture as well as a huge, upfront, flamboyant bouquet of vanilla, spice box, blueberries, white chocolate, licorice, and toasty oak. This 400-case blend of two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant yet incredibly rich, dense, and seamless. It is drinking beautifully, and should continue to do so for 12-14 years. Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039

The 2002 Reserve Claret (two-thirds Merlot, one-third Cabernet Sauvignon and a tiny dollop of Petit Verdot) is the most flashy, exuberant and flamboyant of this trio. Close to full maturity, it offers complex, intense, pervasive notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice, graphite, spring flowers, blueberries and blackberries. Gorgeous ripeness, full-bodied opulence, decent acidity, and ripe, silky tannin make for a hedonistic as well as intellectually provocative wine. This rich, mountain-styled proprietary red can be drunk now and over the next 10-12 years. This enviable and venerable winery high on top Spring Mountain straddles the Napa and Sonoma county lines. These three sensational 2002s are all capable of lasting another 10-15+ years. Tel. (707) 963-4949