A beautiful Bordeaux blend, rich and flavorful, brimming with blackberries, black currants, black cherries, herbs and new oak. Feels fine and elegant in the mouth. Ready now for its elegant approachability, but has the tannic structure to age through 2014. Right up there with Stonestreet’s more expensive wines, which makes it a comparative value.——S.H.(12/31/2009)—— 92

This is the first release of this new wine from Stonestreet. It’s Merlot with some Cabernet, Syrah and Cab Franc. Grown in Jess Jackson’s high mountain vineyards, it’s rich and soft in black currant, cherry, mocha and smoky oak flavors, with smooth, easy tannins. Best now and through 2010.——S.H.(10/1/2008)—— 88