($100) Saturated red-ruby. Exotic aromas of plum, redcurrant, five-spice powder, game and truffle. Lush, gamey and sweet; concentrated, silky and deep. This is wonderfully rich and suave for the vintage. Really coats the mouth with plum and smoke flavors. A chewy, pliant wine with the texture of a top Pomerol from a ripe year. Finishes with very fine but substantial tannins. I am leery of first releases from California priced at this level, but this wine delivers the goods. From a vineyard owned by Jayson Woodbridge just north of St. Helena, at the base of Howell Mountain; the wine is made by Philippe Melka. Definitely a property to watch.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

This 2000 has always reminded me of a Pomerol, and I felt it would be starting its decline by age ten. Well, at age 12, it exhibits extraordinarily velvety, supple-textured tannins as well as a stunning nose of creme de cassis, licorice, forest floor and a mocha/chocolaty, plush Pomerol-like personality (even though there is no Merlot in it). Revealing great presence and complexity, this fully mature 2000 should keep for another decade.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Wonderful complexity and purity of fruit, with layers of currant, spice, blackberry, toasty-mocha scented oak, traces of herb and pepper and a long, intense, elegant and detailed finish. Drink now through 2007. 977 cases made.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio