Climbing

88 PTS WINE SPECTATOR. The '04 Climbing Merlot is smooth and round, with jazzy blackberry and plum aromas and flavors; remains lively through the finish; drink now.

Red wine: Deep ruby, black color; red fruit and dried herbs in the aroma; medium to full bodied, firm on the palate; medium ripe fruit flavors, moderate oak; moderate tannins in the finish.

89 PTS WILFRED WONG. Personified elegance, the zippy '05 Climbing Shiraz comes across the palate with a northern Rhone Valley elegance; fine red fruit flavors abound with an accent of white pepper.

90 PTS JAMES HALLIDAY. The '05 Climbing Chardonnay is a reserved but complex wine; elegant, seamless, creamy malolactic inputs along with controlled oak.