The 2005 St. Eden is from an 11-acre vineyard on the foothills north of the Oakville crossroad that has the classic red, rocky soil of this area, essentially in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains that define the eastern edges of Napa Valley. This wine, which shows notes of new saddle leather, Christmas fruitcake and spice, is broad and savory, with a classic full-bodied mouthfeel, stunning purity and sensational flavors of wild forest mixed with blackberry and cassis fruit. This blend can be drunk now, or cellared for at least another two decades.

Even more captivating than the 2005 Melbury, with extraordinary depth and palate presence is the dense ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied 2005 St. Eden. It possesses the bluer, blacker fruits that seem to come from this area of Pritchard Hill in addition to extraordinary notes of charcoal, acacia flowers, blueberry and blackberry liqueur. This seamlessly constructed 2005 is a sensational effort that is displaying even greater potential than I saw last year. It will drink beautifully for three decades.

Black berries, forest floor, and mushrooms on the nose. Full bodied, with a licorice and tar character that opens up to notes of christmas cake and spice. The center palate is fascinating. Pull the cork on this.

Intense and vibrant, with a tight core of spicy currant, black cherry and wild berry fruit shaded by toasty, creamy oak and ending with a nice focus on the core flavors. Best from 2010 through 2017. 755 cases made. –JL

Smells young and juvenile, a bit raw. Shows briary aromas of wild berries, thyme, cherries and mocha. A chewy wine, tannic and spicy. Hard now, a bit austere, but beautifully structured, with a thick, currant-infused taste. Needs time.