Readers looking for chocolaty berry fruit intermixed with mocha and toasty oak notes should check out the 2006 Merlot Home Ranch. This fairly priced, broad, flavorful, tasty Merlot offers considerable character if drunk over the next 7-8 years. Ed Sbragia, the highly renowned winemaker at Beringer, has settled into his own operation, producing just over 5,000 cases of reds and whites that focus on Sbragia’s strengths, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. He is also experimenting with small quantities of Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.Tel. (866) 222-4342

Big, ripe and powerful, this brawny wine is flavorful, but not particularly delicate. It offers a blast of cherries, red currants, chocolate, violets, anise, smoky oak and pepper. Should develop over the next 4–6 years.——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 88