(89 Points: International Wine Cellar) Hazy yellow. Smoky, buttery peach and pear aromas, plus a suggestion of mineral salts. Vibrant and spicy, with mineral-accented orchard fruit flavors and a late note of smoked meat. The spice tone repeats on the finish, which shows good depth and length.

2005 Eric Ross Old Vine Carignane

Winery Notes: A smooth rich wine, similar to a Syrah in smell with wonderful fruit that carries through the palate. Blueberries and ripe fruit in the nose and a softness in the mouth that lends itself to many types of food. Grapes for this wine come from Rauser Ranch in Lodi and the vines date back to 1907.

2006 Ridge Three Valleys

(89 Points: Wine Spectator) A ripe bruiser, yet with an underlying sense of structure and finesse. Shows aromas of blueberry pie and toasty dill, with concentrated plum, licorice and smoky pepper flavors that are wrapped in muscular tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Grenache.