There are some fine flavors of cassis and cedar in this dry Merlot-based Bordeaux blend, but it has textural challenges in the tough tannins and cutting acidity that seems to come from green fruit or stems. Drink now.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 85

This Bordeaux blend from Sunstone has been getting softer, sweeter and more melted over the years. This latest bottling is almost like a dessert wine, with pastry-like cherry, currant, cocoa, anise and vanilla flavors. It lacks structure and full dryness.——S.H.(10/1/2008)—— 83

From this congenial appellation comes this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend. It’s rich and sturdy, with blackberry, oak, coffee, sage and dill flavors wrapped into fairly hard-edged tannins. Completely dry, it’s best for a couple more years.——S.H.(8/1/2007)—— 86

Scores high on the deliciousness scale, with melted chocolate, blackberry jam, red cherry pie and vanilla-coffee flavors. What’s not to like? This Merlot-based wine is soft and creamy and dry. It’s one of the best Bordeaux-style reds to come out of this valley. ——S.H.(9/1/2006)—— 90

If ever there was a vintage to ripen Bordeaux grapes in Santa Barbara, it was this one. This commendable effort is plush and opulent, balancing cassis fruit with earthy tobacco notes. It has style and class, and if it lacks the extra depth of top North Coast clarets, it’s at least coming close. —S.H. ——S.H.(2/1/2003)—— 90