2001 Quintessa Red

Bright red-ruby. Musky, rather exotic aromas of dark raspberry, blackberry, woodsmoke and spicy oak, complicated by a mineral pungency. Fat, sweet and lush, with deep flavors of dark berries and truffle. At once classically dry and pliant, with a fatter texture than most past releases of this wine. The finish features big, broad, dusty tannins; good building length; and a note of Rutherford dust.

Dark red. Slightly roasted aromas of plum, strawberry and currant jam, complicated by tobacco and mint. Expressive and slightly exotic on the palate, with superripe red fruit and tobacco flavors and a whiff of raisin. The roasted element carries through in the mouth. Finishes with building tannins, a note of caramel and moderate thrust and grip.

The 2001 Proprietary Red Wine (a 9,000-case blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot) reveals a dark, saturated ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of black currants, forest floor, cedar, and tobacco leaf characteristics. Made in an elegant, medium-bodied, Bordeaux-like style with good fruit on the attack, but high tannin in the finish, it is best consumed between 2005-2012. Tel. (707) 963-7111; Fax (707) 963-7867