The 2002 Alluvium Proprietary Red is more fruit-driven, without the complexity of the 2001. It possesses an exuberant, medium to full-bodied personality, which should provide delicious drinking during its first 7-8 years of life. (Release date Spring 06)Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

Over the years my scores for Alluvium have been all over the board. This wine, a Bordeaux blend based on Merlot but with all five classic varieties, is a bit edgy in tannic structure, with a rustic bite. But it’s ripe in blackberry, cherry, coffee and rum flavors, and could easily soften by 2010. ——S.H.(12/15/2006)—— 87