The 2007 Zemis Merlot (made in only the better vintages, the last being 2003) delivers a charming woodsy, herbal, vanilla scented nose with layered red fruits on the palate. It is structured, to be sure, but there seems to be more than enough fruit for this wine to exhibit its full potential in another 3-4 years. The real life Jean Leon was a bon-vivant from Penedes who, before establishing his winery, ventured to Beverly Hills where he opened a restaurant (still in existence) called La Scala in partnership with James Dean. It proved to be a popular hangout for many of the movie stars of the era as shown in the photos contained in the small museum at the winery. My first exposure to high-end fine dining was at this restaurant in 1965 when I was a student at UCLA. I had no idea of this connection until my visit in January, 2011. Jean Leon (the man) is deceased and ownership of the winery has passed to Penedes giant Torres which has continued its operation as a boutique producer. Importer: Dreyfus Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770