Ultrarich and chocolaty with layers of cedar plum currant and black cherry revealing uncommon depth and tiers of flavor as it picks up coffee toffee and anise. Finishes with firm tannins. Best from 2002 through 2012. 13000 cases made. –JL

he 1997 Cinq Cepages is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc and Petit-Verdot it boasts a super-complex bouquet of licorice dried herbs black currants spice box and cherry liqueur. In the mouth notes of chocolate new oak and red and black fruits caress the palate in a medium to full-bodied succulent style. Aged in 50% new and 50% one-year old French barrels it is bottled with no fining or filtration. Fleshy and complex this is California's answer to a big rich St.-Emilion. Drinkable now it promises to last for 12-15 years.