The 2001 Merlot is the best regular Merlot I have tasted from Shafer, an elegant, medium-bodied, restrained, but attractively styled wine with loads of licorice and berry fruit and a hint of mocha coffee bean. Luscious, sexy and understated, this is a beauty to drink over the next 5-7 years. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

Smooth-textured, with ripe cherry, plum, herb, olive and fresh earth, all well-focused and elegant, with fine-grained tannins. Exceptional balance. Drink now through 2006. 9,500 cases made. -JL