The emphasis on Norma Jean is always to capture the vibrant fruit flavors of Merlot at harvest, and the 2007 vintage offers the bright cherry and plum flavors of Merlot with the spice of Syrah - fresh and delightful as the image on the label. Winery

King-grape variety of Moulines where oldest lots are more than 30 years old. Round, supple and balanced but with character, the Merlot is universally appreciated for its ability to blend with any kind of culinary preparations. To be served at room temperature for its fruit when young, for its smoothness and richness later on. - Winery

Rated 90 - I found myself returning to this Merlot again and again, because it’s such a good, gentle, easy sipper. It’s a pleasure to drink one that’s so nicely dry and balanced. Does a great job balancing ripe berry and stone fruits with earthy herbs and spices. Sommeliers and restaurateurs, scoop this one up while you can. Wine Enthusiast

Rated 94 - Good deep, saturated ruby-red. Crushed dark berries and nutty oak on the nose. Much less open, lush and expressive today than the 2004, but with very firm acidity giving cut to the brooding dark fruit flavors. Finishes with substantial building tannins that will likely require extended bottle aging. I should note that the Golitzins believe this wine will surpass their 2004, but today it's difficult to assess. - Steven Tanzer

Collectors have made Marilyn Merlot one of the fastest-appreciating wines on the market, while wine enthusiasts with a sense of humor have enjoyed the playful spirit behind Marilyn Merlot wines. The Marilyn Merlot is a notable wine from prized Napa Valley grapes. While the engaging label has given these bottles a degree of fame, it is the wine in the bottle that merits the enthusiasm of those who seek it out every year.

Rated 88 - 77% Merlot; 14% Cabernet Sauvignon; 6% Cabernet Franc; 3% Petit Verdot. On the one hand a rich and fairly forthright wine in terms of its very ripe, oak-sweetened, black cherry fruit, this bottling is nonetheless fit with a full dose of mouth-drying tannins. It is destined to show well when paired with hearty meat dishes. - Connosseurs Guide To California Wines

The 2006 Merlot (82% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Cabernet Franc) is showing much more austerity and leanness. With a dark ruby color and firm, tannic structure, it is a somewhat atypically backward style for this vintage. I suspect this wine will put on more weight and show better when I taste it after bottling. - Robert Parker

This fruit-driven Chardonnay offers aromas of freshly sliced apples and pears with a subtle floral lift. Judicious use of oak enhances structure and adds a hint of complexity without disguising the bright fruit flavors typical of Washington state. Balanced and juicy, this wine can stand alone as an apertif or partners well with seafood, chicken or pasta with cream sauce. - Winemaker's Notes