The dense purple-colored 1998 Merlot Great Estates Buckeye Vineyard is superb. From a vineyard planted at 2,500 feet with very poor soils (yields range between 1.5-2.5 tons of fruit per acre), this formidably-endowed Merlot possesses aromas and flavors of roasted coffee, black fruits, iron, and smoke. Full-bodied, chewy, and muscular, yet accessible, it should drink well for 10-15 years. Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419

This wine sees 50% new oak, and was closed when I tasted it in October. It exhibits dark ruby/purple colors, abundant spicy oak, medium body, and moderate tannin. The Merlot reveals dried herb, berry fruit, and smoke. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring. It should last for 10-15 years. (release date 6/00)Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419

Chocolate and berry aromas vie for the spotlight. Soft, almost sweet in the mouth, with solid berry fruit and dried herbs. Finishes with a healthy dose of buttery, chocolaty oak that winds up having a bitter edge.——J.C.(7/1/2000)—— 86

The top of the Kendall-Jackson pyramid, in terms of both price and quality, are the single-vineyard offerings. All of these wines performed well. The 1995 Merlot Buckeye Vineyard offers a sweet vanillin and red currant-scented nose, plenty of ripe, spicy, cherry fruit, medium body, a good attack with noticeable oak, and a clipped finish. Both the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon also possess astringent tannin. Drink this wine over the next 6-7 years. Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419