The brilliant, elegant 2002 Stature Meritage (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot) reveals loads of complex mineral, tobacco, black currant, blueberry, and licorice characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin as well as a firm, mountain-styled personality that begs for patience, it will be at its finest between 2010-2020. Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (800) 600-5895

This is a tremendous Cabernet-based wine. A mixture of Atlas Peak, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder and St. Helena bench grapes, it’s a masterpiece of blending. Seductive now for its lush, soft and brilliant cherry, cassis and mocha flavors that are finished with the smoky vanilla and toast of 96% new French oak, the wine is decadently good. ——S.H.(6/1/2007)—— 95