As I reported last year, Beringer's new proprietary red wine, Alluvium, appears to be an excellent product. Made from 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, production averages about 10,000-14,000 cases per year. The 1994 Alluvium is a textbook proprietary wine. It displays a dark ruby color, followed by an attractive black fruit-scented nose with subtle toasty oak intertwined with herbs, earth, and chocolatey notes. In the mouth, black cherry fruit and toast are presented in a medium to full-bodied, silky-smooth, delicious format. Very accessible, it should continue to drink well for a decade. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735