This wine has matured beautifully and seems to be close to that plateau where all the component parts have melded together, in this case rather effortlessly. Vinified and brought up by French winemaking consultant Philippe Melka, this wine, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from their (at the time) tiny six-acre vineyard, produced less than 300 cases. Notes of charcoal, graphite, black currants, tobacco leaf and forest floor are all present in its complex aromatics. The color is a healthy dense ruby/purple and the wine medium to full-bodied, with beautiful intensity, purity and balance. This beauty, which is more in the elegant, feminine school of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, should be drunk over the next 10-15 years. Tel. (707) 963-9292; Fax (707) 963-7848

The 2002 Vineyard 29 is tasting superbly from bottle. Sadly, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from the six-acre estate vineyard has a microscopic production of only 275 cases. It possesses a dense purple color in addition to a fragrant bouquet of blackberries, black cherries, toasty oak, and flowers. Elegant, yet authoritatively rich, full-bodied, and long, this impressive effort is the first wine produced since Philippe Melka had full control of the viticulture and vinification. It requires a few years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. (Release date 11/05)Tel. (707) 963-9292; Fax (707) 963-7848