The 1999 Sangiovese Eleven Oaks, while not complex, is better than most California Sangioveses. It possesses good depth as well as a mid-palate. with sweet cherry and cranberry fruit offered in a medium-bodied, refreshing, zesty style. It will drink well for two years.Tel. (805) 736-1455

Although I am not an admirer of most California Sangioveses, Babcock's 1997 Sangiovese Eleven Oaks is a noteworthy effort. It exhibits textbook smoky, ripe cherry jam, saddle leather, and strawberry aromas. Ripe, rich, suave, and medium-bodied, with no hard edges, it should drink well for 2-3 years. Yummy! Tel. (805) 736-1455; Fax (805) 736-3886

Given the glut of mediocre and over-priced Sangioveses emerging from California, it is encouraging to find a Sangiovese with substance and depth. This dark ruby-colored wine exhibits a tight but promising nose of new saddle leather, strawberries, and cherries, and raspberry-flavored fruit. Structured in the mouth, but dense, medium-bodied, and pure, this is a well-made, tannic wine that should improve with 1-2 years of bottle age, and last for 4-5. Tel. (805) 736-1455