More backward, elegant, and highbrow, so to speak, is the 2007 Highland Estates Merlot Taylor Peak. This 100% Merlot from the Bennett Valley should turn out to be an outstanding wine with another 1-2 years of bottle age. The wine displays plenty of dark berry fruit, along with some crushed rock, coffee, and blueberry notes. It is a pretty wine to drink between 2010 and 2020. The lowest level of the Kendall-Jackson empire, the Vintner’s Reserve series, goes from strength to strength. For consumers hoping to maximize their dollar value, these serious wines are consistent choices. Their Chardonnay has always been good, but dramatic increases in quality have taken place in the Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon programs.Tel. (800) 769-3649; kjwines@kj.com