The deep ruby/purple-colored 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Stuhlmuller Vineyard offers terrific fruit on the attack, followed by notes of menthol, black currants, cranberries, and sweet cherries. A pleasant loamy soil-like character gives it a distinctive terroir note. The finish is spicy and heady. Anticipated maturity: now-2022+. Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174

The opaque purple-colored 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Stuhlmuller Vineyard reveals sweet, jammy fruit flavors with notes of earth and toast in the background. This powerful and rich offering appears to be the best of the three recent vintages.(Price not yet determined)Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174

The full-bodied 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Stuhlmuller Vineyard is far better than its 1999 counterpart (atypical for these two vintages). The wine possesses excellent texture, density, and ripeness. It should drink well for 10-12 years. (Price not yet determined)Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174

The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Stuhmuller Vineyard is produced from a hillside vineyard in the hot Alexander Valley. Generous quantities of black fruits, cedar, spice box, and toasty oak jump from the glass. Highly-extracted and dense, with terrific fruit purity, a sweet, succulent mid-palate, and ripe tannin, this beauty should drink well for 15-17 years.Smart buyers in search of wines with an excellent quality/price rapport have been seeking out Chateau Souverain's offerings for a number of years. The current and up-coming releases continue to offer "real" wine drinkers tasty choices. ($50; release date 1/01)Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174