The wines I tasted in October included an attractive 1996 Chardonnay Starmont. It possesses a crisp, mineral, Chablis-like character, zesty acidity, an elegant, medium-bodied style, and an emphasis on the fruit rather than oak. It should drink well for 2 years. Given the quality of Merryvale's wines, and the talent of winemaker Bob Levy, I am surprised this winery does not receive more attention. Their Profile Proprietary Red Wine ranks among the top three or four dozen red wines of northern California, and their Silhouette Chardonnay is a brilliant Burgundian-styled wine with extraordinary richness and complexity. Tel. (707) 963-2225; Fax (707) 963-1949