I was impressed with the outstanding 1995 Moon Mountain Estate, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This wine could easily pass for a top-class Bordeaux in a blind tasting. It reveals a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a classy black currant, lead pencil, licorice, and vanillin-scented nose. Medium-bodied and elegant, with excellent purity, and a Graves-like roasted herb/mineral component, it is young, but accessible. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2016.Tel. (707) 996-5870; Fax (707) 996-5302

The 1994 Meritage Moon Mountain Estate stood out for its well-focused personality, which exhibited sensational elegance, and, for the vintage, a soft, supple style that came across as less aggressive and extracted than many other 1994s. Deeply-colored, with loads of red and black fruits, this will not be one of the biggest wines of the vintage, but it has the potential to be an outstanding effort in a stylish, measured, but authoritatively flavored manner. Because of its softness, it should drink well when released, and keep for up to 15 years.Note: Prices are listed only for those wines that are being pre-sold as futures by MacArthur Beverages in Washington, DC, the first American wine shop to offer California wine futures, which they have done for eleven consecutive years.Tel. (707) 996-5870

I have enjoyed many Carmenet red wines, but I have noted an annoying tartness and leanness that has become more pronounced as these wines have aged. The recent portfolio of red wines includes a bevy of offerings. The 1991 Moon Mountain Estate Meritage (a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 16% Merlot) is a dense, structured, young, unevolved wine that requires another 3-5 years of cellaring. Some of the noted Carmenet tartness and acidity is present, but this wine appears destined to survive several decades of cellaring. It may be drinkable in 3-5 years based on its acid/fruit balance. Patience will be required for this concentrated, highly structured wine. Tel. (707) 996-5870