As for their own wines all of which come from southern Napa sites in Oak Knoll and Coombsville the 2005 is certainly one of the finest wines they have yet made. A 1000-case blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec the wine is dense purple-colored to the rim with an exquisite nose of charcoal graphite and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied with great power richness and sensational length this wine will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle-age and last three decades. The husband and wife team of Mark Herold and his graphic designer wife Erika Gottl continue to play an increasingly important role in the production of high quality Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa not only with their home wine called Merus but also with their consultancy work for wineries such as Kobalt Kamen Hestan Harris Estate Vineyards and Ardore. Previously recommended: 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (94) 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (95). Tel. (707) 251-5551; Fax (707) 251-3782

Superrich, smooth and creamy. A seductive style that balances ripe, concentrated currant, cherry, fresh earth, mineral and sage notes with toasty, cedary oak. Ends with a powerful yet elegant finish that keeps pumping out the flavors. Fine-grained tannins bode well for the future. Drink now through 2015. – JL