2007 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages

Their famous cuvee, which was once named Wine Spectator Wine of the Year, the 2007 Cinq Cepages is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage. Hints of bay leaf, black currant, sweet cherry, cedar and subtle smoke are all present in this lush, medium to full-bodied, opulent and heady wine. Broad and savory, it seems to be on a fast evolutionary track and should be drunk over the next decade. Readers looking for a bevy of outstanding white wines at remarkably fair prices need look no further than the copious number of selections from Chateau St. Jean. There’s a lot to like at all different price points, but the under $25 grouping is especially strong, as evidenced by the following tasting notes. This winery has long been one of the leaders in producing Loire Valley-styled Sauvignon Blancs, which they call Fume Blanc. The Pinot Noir program is less successful than the Chardonnays, but progress is evident with each new vintage. Tel. (707) 833-4134; Fax (707) 833-4200