The tightly-knit, moderately tannic 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot exhibits ripe fruit on the attack, but narrows in the mouth. While good, its tannin might prove too severe for the underpinning of fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2012. Importer: Seth Allen, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700

The 1999 Cabernet/Merlot (70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, aged in old wood with the exception of about 15% new) exhibits a dark ruby/purple color and a gorgeously sweet nose of jammy black currants intermixed with earth and spice box. The wine is excellent, fresh and juicy, with sweet tannin and plenty of fat. Readers looking for reasonably priced Cabernet Sauvignon to gulp down over the next 5-7 years should check this beauty out. Production was 900 cases.Note: Veritas was in the process of leaving importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283 at the time of printing.

Smooth and nicely refined, offering beautifully focused raspberry, plum and spice flavors that linger nicely on the supple finish. Drink now through 2007. 750 cases made.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add

Readers looking for an over-the-top, jammy, super-ripe Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot need search no further than Veritas's 1998 Cabernet/Merlot. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot from 30-year old vines, this is a hedonistic Cabernet bomb with full body, low acidity, and gobs of jammy black fruit flavors. It is a thrill to smell, taste, and drink. Moreover, it will last 15 years given its flamboyant/ostentatious, fruit-driven style. Complexity has yet to emerge, and there is plenty of tannin lurking beneath the fruit, glycerin, and extract.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

This wine is a fine bargain in today's marketplace. It possesses an opaque purple color, followed by ripe (nearly overripe), jammy cherry, and cassis aromas that have been presented in an uncomplicated but rich, low acid, medium to full-bodied format. There is explosively rich fruit as well as a viscous texture. I suspect more character and complexity will emerge from this wine, which may ultimately merit an outstanding score. Crammed with fruit and glycerin, it will provide plenty of hedonistic appeal over the next 10-12 years. Rolf Binder, who also makes the wines for The Magpie Estate, produces this astonishing, full-flavored, maximum extraction, ultra-ripe wine.