An offering with enormous potential is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain. It exhibits a smoky, barbecue meatiness, scorched earth, and creme de cassis personality reminiscent of certain Cabernets from volcanic soils. With full-bodied power, a voluptuous mid-palate, and superb length as well as purity, this big, chewy, mountain Cabernet will easily keep for two decades. One of Northern California’s most successful winemakers/consultants, David Ramey’s personal winery continues to go from strength to strength. Ramey has had the best of both worlds, working in Bordeaux for the Moueix family, and in California at Dominus, Chalk Hill, and Rudd Estate. Ramey has two hierarchies of Chardonnays, his generic appellations as well as his single vineyard cuvees.Previously recommended: 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Jericho Canyon (94), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal (95+), 2004 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard (91), 2004 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard (94), 2004 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard (93).(Not yet released)Tel. (707) 433-0870; fax (707) 433-0871

The 2003 Diamond Mountain District Young Vines boasts loads of fruit, a supple texture, and a similar character, but it is neither as weighty nor muscular as the 2001, or as rich and concentrated as the 2002. It should drink well for 10-15 years. (Price not yet determined)Fax (707) 823-5620

The dense purple-tinged 2002 Diamond Mountain District Young Vines offers rich, sumptuous aromas of burning embers, smoke, blackberries, currants, and a gravel-like hot rock component interwoven with licorice and earth. Supple-textured and full-bodied, with more flamboyance and accessibility than the more muscular 2001, it will drink well for 8-14 years. Fax (707) 823-5620