Racheting up the level of quality, price, and intensity is the 2002 Merlot Taylor Peak Estate. This excellent effort reveals a deep purple color as well as big, sweet, black cherry and berry aromas with hints of earth, toasty oak, and chocolate in the background. Ripe and medium-bodied, with broad flavor penetration, it should drink well for 7-8 years. (Release date 12/04)Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (800) 600-5895

Made solidly in the style of Jess Jackson’s mountain estate wines, a dark, dense Merlot of great intensity and weight. It possesses a laserlike concentration of sweet cassis and cherry fruit that is wrapped in significant tannins. Meets the challenge with such wines and achieves balance and finesse. ——S.H.(12/15/2004)—— 92