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Bright, full aromas are dominated by familiar notes of Fuji apple, lemon oil, citrus blossom and jasmine. In keeping with our goal to minimize the oak impact in this wine, I find the toasty qualities of the barrel sitting in the background of the aroma. While youthful and fresh now, time in the bottle will add layers of complexity. In the mouth I find the wine supple and long, revealing delicious impressions of pear and honeydew melon with a hint of butterscotch.”

Bright and clean, with enticing aromas of honeysuckle, citrus oil, and nutmeg, this wine develops for some time in the glass. In the mouth it is quite dry, yet rich and full, with hints of fresh pear, dried apricot, and vanilla. There is a haunting mineral note in the long, lush finish. It should continue to evolve nicely for some time.

The aroma of the 2002 Keltie Brook Merlot is sweet and inviting. The wine is fruity, and as it opens, offers aromas of blueberry, black cherry and cocoa. The wine is luscious in the mouth; ripe fruit flavors echo the wine’s aromas. Supple tannins and firm structure characterize the finish and balance the wine’s flavors.

Familiar aromas of black cherry, plum and nutmeg make an attractive introduction. As this Pinot Noir develops in the glass, I also detect some interesting hints of orange rind and cranberry. In the mouth the wine has a sweet entry with good acidity and just enough tannin to provide length to the finish. Already proclaimed an exceptional vintage, 2002 has produced some very fine Pinot Noirs from Carneros and other parts of California. This wine provides exceptional value from a notable vintage.

This Pinot Noir is derived from the finest vineyards of the famous Carneros appellation, which sits at the north end of the San Francisco Bay in the southernmost reaches of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Due to its Bay and Pacific maritime influences, Carneros enjoys cooler climate and therefore a longer growing season than nearby areas. As a result, the fruit grown here has good acidity and broad fruit flavors.

"This is a food lover's wine, a wise choice for a variety of fare, from fish to fowl." Steve MacRostie

The deep red color of the wine prepares me for this intensely aromatic and lush Merlot. Distinct, mouthwatering scents of cocoa, cassis and dried herbs clearly tie the wine to its origins: the vineyards of the Carneros region. The fruit flavors are dense, and the tannins mature – byproducts of careful winemaking and an indication the wine will age well. I think of this as Old World style, a classic Right Bank Bordeaux blend reflecting Carneros terroir. A serious Merlot, the wine is rich, complex and lasting. The 2001 Carneros Merlot has both substance and structure, a tasteful match for full-flavored lamb or wild duck dishes. I also confidently pair this rich wine with spicy, salty dishes such as Spaghetti alla Puttanesca.

I was fortunate to meet Don Bundren in Paso Robles, a farmer who had young vineyards, and a willing attitude about farming grapes to my specifications. We harvested Don's grapes in late August. The wine was aged 15 months in French oak barrels. -Steve MacRostie

The tast of the wine has good balance: Some fruit, some tannin, and some toasty charred barrel notes. The texture is soft at first but has length brought on by the soft tannins and perfect acid level. This is a full bodied Pinot Noir.

Familiar aromas of black cherry, plum and earthy spice make an attractive introduction. As this Pinot Noir develops in the glass, I also detect some interesting hints of smoke and licorice. In the mouth the wine is nicely structured with good acidity and just enough tannin to provide length to the finish. Already proclaimed an exceptional vintage, 2002 has produced some very fine Pinot Noirs from Carneros and other parts of California. I am particularly proud of this bottling and expect that it will evolve for several years.

Very intense and marked by a strong white pepper and spicy character, exhibiting dense blackberry, beef, leather and exotic spices, accented by bay leaf, finishing with chewy, beefy, leathery tannins. Best from 2004 through 2012.-J.L.