86 PTS WILFRED WONG. A showy wine, the tasty '05 Echelon Merlot offers fine lasting red fruit flavors that layers nicely into the wine's solid finish; a nice choice with pork tenderloin.

86 PTS WILFRED WONG. Class and elegance, the just-picked flavors of the '05 Echelon is reason enough to pick up a bottle with Echelon on it; perky and bright; loaded with generous raspberry flavors.

85 PTS WILFRED WONG. A pleasant red, the ripe-fruited '05 Echelon Shiraz is a straight-forward wine with good balance and style; not fancy, but nice to put into a glass and to enjoy.

GOLD MEDAL, 2005 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMP. Simply a smashing effort, the '03 Echelon Viognier exudes aromas and flavors of aromatic flowers and ripe citrus; an excellent choice with Tex-Mex.

The Echelon Cabernet is a soft, light red with easy tannins; textured and delicate on the palate; finishes without any edges.

SILVER MEDAL, 2006 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMP An excellent black-fruited effort, the polished '03 Echelon Syrah shows up with rich ripe fruit flavors that stay silky and smooth on the palate.

The Echelon Pinot Noir is a very good, easy-drinking red; soft and smooth on the palate with easy-going layers in the finish.

The Echelon Chardonnay exhibits pleasant, ripe citrus flavors; smooth and layered in the aftertaste.

Rich flavors of black currant and raspberry, aromas of black cherry and plum with a hint of sage giving a smooth, silky finish. 13.0% ABV