The 1996 Imagery Series Petite Sirah is an opaque black/purple-colored wine that offers up a sweet blackberry nose with hints of pepper and earth. Tannin grips the palate, but there is enough glycerin and sweet fruit to balance the wine's structure. Whether it ever develops much complexity remains to be seen, but it should drink well for 10-15 years. Tel. (800) 989-8890

This family-owned winery continues to turn out an attractive portfolio of well-made wines. Moreover, given the unbelievable pricing strategy being employed by many other California wineries, they remain sensibly priced. The three Imagery Series red wine offerings scored well in my peer group tastings. Benziger's black/purple-colored 1994 Petite-Sirah Imagery Series is a monstrous-sized wine displaying huge, roasted herb, smoky blackcurrant fruit with a touch of tar. Full-bodied, moderately tannic, and extremely concentrated, this wine is best aged for 1-3 years, and drunk over the subsequent 10-15. Tel. (800) 989-8890