The red cuvees emphasize their varietal fruit characteristics more than the spice and structure that comes from new oak. This is one of the few cases where I preferred the 2001 Merlot to the Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a similar deep ruby color, but more juicy mocha-infused berry fruit. With excellent freshness and zestiness, it is a surprisingly strong effort as well as a noteworthy value. Importer: Ken Onish & John Gorman, Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030