Here is a dramatic wine that is as deep and intensely fruity as it is fully ripened, and it shows a complex mix of toast, roasted grain and spicy oak overlying its sweet, apple-pie traits. It is full-bodied, rather oily in feel and a touch hot in the bargain, but it is never fat or sloppy and is wonderfully well balanced for the big wine that it is. Fruit powers through at the end and marks it as a bona fide success, and, if not built for a long stay in the cellar, it will make a show stopping partner to duck or even lighter pork dishes.

Two white wines have just been released, including the 2006 Chardonnay Vintner's Select. It offers up copious aromas of lemon blossoms, nectarines, pear, crushed rock, and white flowers. Well-made with zesty acidity, it possesses that minerality that emeges from these high elevation vineyards. Consume it over the next 2-3 years.

This is quite a hefty young Chard. It takes the basic elements of ripe, potent fruit, oak, and Burgundian-inspired technique and elevates it all, a Chard on steroids. The peach, tropical fruit, pear, candied ginger and charry oak flavors have an acidic scour. Drink now and for the next 5 years.