Chateau St. Jean's red wine program represents reasonably good value. The 1996 Merlot Reserve offers subtle aromas of creosote, black cherries, dried herbs, and vanillin. In the mouth, toffee notes mix with sweet, creamy wood, chocolate, and berries. Medium to full-bodied, closed, with moderate tannin in the finish, this Merlot requires 2-3 years of cellaring. It should keep for 12-15 years.Kudos to winemaker Steve Reedy and Beringer for what they have accomplished at Chateau St. Jean. Tel. (707) 833-4134; fax (707) 833-4200