Guide to California's Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends

I have always had an appreciation for wine, but I admit I really didnt know much, but when I was married, my husband had a passion about wines, so I was able to deepen my love of and knowledge of wine, here is a guide about California: Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends

4 Bears 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($15). A heck of a deal from this new winery, with nicely balanced blackberry and cherry flavors laced with warm spices, toasty oak, and just a dash of dusty tannins. Generous finish. Ready to drink now.

Alexander Valley Vineyards 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($20). Ripe and intense, with excellent red cherry fruit layered with rich flavor, including spicy leather, mint, and smooth vanilla oak. Wonderfully generous finish. Good tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years.

Amici Cellars 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($38). A "wow" wine, with nicely integrated tannins supporting classic cassis, plum and cherry fruit. An array of pretty accents include lavender, cedar and espresso. Tempting now and over the next 10+ years.

Amusant 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($30). Smooth and lush, with supple, medium-bodied red cherry and plum fruit laced with chocolate, light spices and a touch of rose. Lingering, appealing finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Note: the bottle we sampled came with the newfangled Metacork - check it out!)

Arbios Cellars

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($27). Medium-bodied and supple, with ripe black cherry and berry flavors that meld with dusty cocoa, mint, fresh herb and cedar accents. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($32). Founder and winemaker Bill Arbios focuses on capturing the "time and place" of each vintage in this Bordeaux-styled Cabernet, his winery's only wine (2500 cases) -- and the results are delicious. A deep red color, with concentrated berry and spicy cherry aromas. Layers of cassis, plum, cedar, green olive, anise, earth and spicy oak are complex and balanced. Shows a hint of creaminess on the finish. Very good now, and should continue to develop beautifully over the next seven or eight years.

Arrowood

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Grand Archer ($15). Easy to enjoy, particularly at this price, with focused black cherry and berry aromas and flavors, with waves of spices that build through the finish, picking up a touch of dried herbs along with vanillin oak. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($38). From the winemaker: This is an aromatic and forward wine, with rich, sweet black fruit flavors of cassis and blackberry. An earthy, dusty nuance adds complexity to the nose, and toasty oak and spice flavors linger in the balanced finish. Of particular note is the incredibly rich middle: concentrated, fleshy and unctuous, complemented by elegant aromatic components and softness.

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Domaine Grand Archer ($17-$20). A deep ruby color with a lively fruit base, big tannins, but still smooth through the finish. And the aroma will really wow you.

Atlas Peak 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($38). Dense red cherry, currant and smooth blueberry fruit is laced with aromatic freshly cut tobacco, cinnamon stick and heady vanilla notes. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years.

Beaulieu Vineyard

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($18). Pretty red cherry aromas and flavors are accented with black olive and spicy oak notes that build through the finish. Best with food. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

2002 Tapestry Reserve Napa Valley ($50). A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Merlot (13%), Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this deep, concentrated wine offers aromatic bittersweet chocolate, sage and tar accents to the black cherry and plum flavors that are quite young now, with ripe, chewy tannins that smooth out somewhat through the long finish. Tempting now (with proper decanting) and over the next five to seven years.

2002 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Napa Valley ($85). Rich and opulent, with aromatic black licorice and earth complementing the deep blackberry and plum flavors. Picks up an array of accents through the generous finish, including black olive, tobacco, cinnamon and cedar. Tempting now (with proper decanting) and over the next ten-plus years.

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford ($25). Classic "Rutherford dust" laces aromatic plum, black cherry, anise, cola and herbal notes that linger on a polished, generous finish. Good value! Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($17). Subtle eucalyptus aromas accent polished blackberry and cherry flavors, with toasty oak and smoky herbal notes on the finish. Ready to drink now.

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Georges De Latour ($100). A monster - thick and deep and dark, with waves of rich, concentrated red plum, cassis, cedar, black licorice, rosemary and dark chocolate. Not surprisingly, this wine is built for aging, with full-bodied fruit and oak that need time to mellow and meld - a minimum of ten years.

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($17). shows lovely black cherry, ripe plum and vanilla oak, with a nice earthy touch that adds character and depth. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($14). This wine is a Cabernet party in a glass -- with good, medium-deep color and packing a nice punch on the palate. Lively black cherry, currant, a touch of vanilla, and toasty oak make this an easy quaff. I find myself greedily pouring a second glass in record time! Great now, should age for a couple of years.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Georges de Latour Private Reserve ($100). This is certainly an incredibly good wine, and we were pleased to get to sample it. As big and bold as it is, we were surprised how approachable the tannins are at this point. Although it will certainly continue to improve with age - say, another six or seven years - it's actually drinking pretty well now. Rich and concentrated black cherry fruit is interwoven with cedar and smoky leather, with accents of herbs and mineral. Wonderful array of flavors that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next seven years.

Bennett Lane

2002 Maximus Napa Valley ($28). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (43%), Merlot (33%) and Syrah (24%), this is really delicious. Full-bodied and focused, with layers of concentrated black currant and berry flavors, rich, smoky spices and cedar, sweet tobacco and fresh herbal notes -- all lingering on the full finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years.

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($45). An elegant, focused wine, with bright cherry and blackberry fruit laced with loads of warm spices and a touch of fig that emerges on the long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

Beringer

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley ($27). Smoky black plum and cassis aromas and flavors are rich and focused, but still show some elegance and lithe acidity that brightens the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($35). A new mid-range release from Beringer ( Napa Valley fruit, but at about one-third the price of their renowned Private Reserve), this Cabernet is quite a deal at this price. Forward black cherry and plum fruit are deftly layered with aromatic baking spices, green tea, cedar and dark chocolate notes, finishing with polished, supple tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Very good now and over the next seven or eight years.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon California Founders' Estate ($12). Yummy chocolate and cherry aromas and flavors pick up a touch of cracked black pepper and rich vanilla oak. Ripe, with loads of Cabernet flavors. Generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Private Reserve ($100). Violet scented red currant and blackberry flavors are rich and full-bodied, picking up layers of sweet tobacco, tar, dried sage and spicy oak that are supported by quite a bit of tannic structure. As big as it is, it pulls back from being over the top or extracted. Very good now and over the next five or six years.

1999 Alluvium Red Knights Valley ($30). Beringer's 1999 edition of their signature Meritage is rich and smooth, with concentrated plum and red berry fruit layered with warm spices, cedar, and licorice. Delicious. Blend of Merlot (76%) and Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite Verdot. Drink now and over the next four or five years.

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon California Founder's Estate ($11) - An easy drinking, basic Cab. Strong earth nose and bouquet, with some oak, cherry, and blackberry. An average wine. (Weekend Wine, 08/01)

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Appellation Collection ($27). Deep black cherry and plum are smooth and sophisticated here, with intense woodsy and coffee notes. The good structure holds up to the very end of the luxurious finish.

Bonterra 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast ($N/A). Enjoyable cherry fruit is studded with chocolate and spice notes, with a generous finish and moderate tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years.

Burgess Cellars

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Vintage Selection ($35). Fruity and quite tasty, with juicy red cherry, plum, tobacco, and herbal notes -- all balanced nicely with moderate vanilla oak. Would happily pay $20 or so for this wine, but have to think twice at $35. Ready to drink now and over the next three years.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Vintage Selection ($34) has received rave reviews from all corners, and with good reason. Stylish and complex, the wine includes small additions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and features concentrated red berry and plum fruit, highlighted by mocha and herb notes. Integrated tannins and a generous finish complete this outstanding package. Drink now and over the next six years.

Byington 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains-Bates Ranch ($26). Smooth black cherry fruit is layered with anise, earth, and spicy oak, picking up an appealing vanilla extract note on the finish. Slightly rustic tannins should smooth out with additional bottle time. Best from 2004-2008. Excellent with roasted chicken with sage and leeks, and creamy polenta studded with bacon, fresh corn and parmesan.

Cafaro Cellars Napa Valley 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon ($N/A). This is an elegant wine with Old World touches. It has a lovely bouquet and is full of red cherry and spice flavors with integrated oak and firm tannins. It is very good now and should age beautifully for at least five years. (Weekend Wine 11/00)

Canoe Ridge 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley ($28). Black cherry and berry aromas and flavors are laced with pine, vanilla and toasted herbal notes. Seemed a little disjointed. Ready to drink now.
Carmenet

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon California Cellar Selection ($9). Rich, ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit is nicely balanced with dried herb and cedar notes. Stays focused through the cocoa-laced finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Good value!

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Lake County ($18). Nicely integrated blackberry and red plum fruit is focused, not overripe. Earthy vanilla bean and mace notes on the lingering finish. Good structure; quite food-friendly. Drink now and over the next four or five years.

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon California Cellar Selection ($8). Ripe black cherry and juicy plum fruit is accented with rosemary, cedar and smooth mocha. Shows more complexity than you might expect at this price. Nice, fruity finish. Good with food. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast Dynamite ($18). This is a big, age-worthy Cabernet at a great price. Spicy fruit aromas precede ripe cherry and berry fruit, with healthy doses of pepper and oak. Very good now and will continue to improve for five or six years.

Caymus

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Special Selection ($136). A wow wine (at a wow price) -- but hey, if you can afford it! Rich and lush, with focused black cherry and currant fruit layered with dark chocolate, licorice, clove, and sweet cedar. Starts with luxurious aromas and builds in intensity through the long, complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next ten years.

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($70). Rich black cherry fruit is accented with spicy cedar and smoky oak. The finish is luxurious and ripe. Tannins are nicely integrated now, and will continue to evolve over the coming years. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years.

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($70). Wow. Incredibly rich and smooth, even at this relatively young age. Waves of vanilla oak, black currant, juicy cherry, and wild blueberry come at you from all directions. This is the kind of wine that makes you want to invest in a few bottles - some to drink and some to cellar for at least the next five years.

1994 Cabernet Sauvignon ($65). A hearty, well balanced red, with plum, black cherry, and a touch of oak and spice. Some lingering tannins nicely complement hearty foods such as steak and blue cheeses. The finish was moderately long, leaving a hint of tobacco and oak. The Caymus definitely became more accessible as it breathed. It drinks well now but is cellar worthy for a few more years.

Cellar No. 8 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($10). Bright, sweet red cherry aromas introduce appealing red plum and cherry fruit, with light baking spice, toast and delicate black olive accents. Easy to like and enjoy.

Century Oak 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($13). Fairly light-bodied for a Cabernet, but with pretty red cherry and white pepper aromas and flavors, picking up raspberry and sweet vanilla oak on the moderate finish.

Chalone 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Monterey County ($15). Cedar-laced cherry and sweet blackberry flavors are laced with generous toasty, spicy oak and vanilla notes. Shows a bit of grip on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years.

Charles Krug 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Peter Mondavi Family ($17). Wonderful concentrated black cherry and red currant fruit, with waves of mocha, vanilla oak, and plum. Medium tannins. Very nice finish. Ready now and over the next three or four years.

Chateau Montelena 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Calistoga Cuvee ($25). Velvety smooth, full of lush, ripe plum and dried cherry fruit, with nuances of smoke and leather. So easy to drink now, and will cellar well for the next five years.

Chateau Souverain

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($22). Quite appealing, with rich black cherry and plum flavors laced with aromatic espresso, dark chocolate, tobacco and anise. Long supple finish that continues to evolve. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($20). Pretty, plummy bouquet. Starts soft and smooth, then bright red fruit emerges, picking up touches of cedar and mocha and baking spices that linger through the toasty oak finish. Very nice now and over the next four or five years.

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($20). Restrained blackberry and plum fruit notes mix with toasty oak, earth, and rosemary. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon ($20). I really liked this wine, although it will certainly benefit from more aging. The tannins are a tad rough at this point, but the hefty doses of wild blackberry and smooth dark plum are very good even now. I would save this wine for a couple of years and then enjoy it at its fullest.

Chateau St. Jean

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($15). Easy drinking goodness, with spicy black cherry and blueberry fruit laced with a smooth chocolate note that persists on the moderate finish. A nice value. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Cinq Cepages ($75). Rich and full-bodied, offering concentrated blackberry and plum fruit, sweet tobacco, toasty oak and black pepper. Maintains a sense of focused elegance from beginning to lingering, complex finish. Delicious now and over the next five or six years

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($15). Blackberry and cherry fruit, with espresso and vanilla spice on a toasty oak frame. Medium-bodied, pretty finish, and easy to enjoy now!

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($27). Classic California Cab at a reasonable price - this was one of the favorites of our tasting. Very good structure and balance support rich black cherry and blackberry fruit laced with mocha, tobacco, licorice and smoky oak. Plush, generous finish. Very good now and over the next 5-6 years.

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Cinq Cepages ($35). This wine is just incredible. Complicated layers of plum, cherry, and raisin, tinged with oak and a finish that lingers for 10.5 minutes (we timed it), it is very good now and will age beautifully.

Chumeia

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($12). A nice little Cab for the money, offering red berry and cherry fruit, chocolate, warm spices and toasty oak. Ready to drink now.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast ($25). Extracted blackberry and black plum fruit flavors seem a touch overripe and jammy, but still tasty, with a velvety smoothness that is appealing. Moderate finish with a touch of spice. Ready to drink now.

Clos Du Val

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($30). Focused, concentrated black cherry and blackberry are laced with aromatic fresh tobacco, mint and toasty oak. Appealing, smooth mouthfeel. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District ($62). Pricey but worth the splurge, offering an array of rich aromatics -- mint, chocolate, blackberry, even truffle. In the mouth, it's dense and rich, with layers of deep fruit, spices, herbs and a hint of espresso. Well integrated tannins offer structure and some grip on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next eight to ten years.

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($28). Black cherry and currant fruit from start to finish, are ripe and full-bodied. Toasty oak weaves throughout. Not overly complex, but still appealing. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Oak Vineyard ($62). Dense and concentrated, with voluptuous aromas and flavors that include cinnamon, blackberry, blueberry and cedar - you practically want to dab it behind your ears. Finishes long and lush, picking up touches of mint and sage. Ready to drink now and over the next seven or eight years.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve ($95). Alluring aromas and flavors include roasted hazelnut, chocolate and espresso accents to the ripe black cherry and berry fruit. Intense, long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next seven or eight years, if not more.

Clos LaChance 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains ($21). A personal cellar selection, this wine offers tightly wound black cherry and cassis fruit, anise spice, tobacco and toasted oak. Appealing structure, with a generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next few years

Deerfield Ranch Winery 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($50). Smooth and lush, with velvety black cherry, waves of warm spice, cedar and tobacco accents. Finishes ripe and rich. Drink now and over the next 3-4 years.
Destino 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($40). Smooth red cherry and plum fruit is concentrated and rich, with layers of mocha, nutmeg, pepper, rosemary and integrated vanillin oak. Lush, lingering, complex finish. Delicious now and over the next five or six years.

Dry Creek Vineyards 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($21). Medium-bodied but with appreciable depth of flavor, including concentrated blackberry, ripe plum and black cherry, with toasty, vanilla oak and mint accents. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

Duckhorn Vineyards 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($48). Blockbuster Cab, this one. It starts lush with ripe red cherry and wild blueberry, is balanced with a wet earthy richness, and lingers on the rich finish. Not for the faint of heart, this is pure Cab heaven. Try now or cellar it for six, eight, ten years.

Duncan Peak 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino ($38). Exhibits both rich fruit and silky smoothness. Concentrated cherry and blackberry fruit mingles with touches of cinnamon, cedar, and creamy vanilla. The finish is elegant and generous. Well integrated tannins make it deliciously approachable now and over the next four or five years

Dynamite Vineyards 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast ($17). Racy red fruit mingles with fresh-cut tobacco aromas. Medium-bodied with concentrated black currant and chocolate flavors, with touches of dried fruit character and smoky tannins on the lingering finish. Ready to drink now. Better with food - particularly a thick, juicy cut of meat!

Echelon 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($15). Tasty and ripe, with juicy berry and cherry fruit accented with vanilla oak and espresso notes. Well-balanced and easy to drink. Really good with grilled meats. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two.

Ehlers Estate 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($28). Full-bodied black cherry and ripe blackberry fruit flavors are accented with generous spicy oak, dark chocolate and a hint of leather. A solid, structured wine that pairs nicely with simple, bold flavors like grilled steak.

EOS Estate Winery

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($18). Appealing minty aromas and flavors, with sweet cherry fruit, smoke, espresso, vanilla and toasty oak accents. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years

1997 EOS Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($15). This is a food-friendly, balanced, elegant wine. Solidly crafted, with focused black cherry and plum fruit, along with a nice cedar note. Its medium tannins make this wine enjoyable now and over the next couple of years

E. & J. Gallo

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Northern Sonoma ($80). A monster wine - young and tannic now, but fantastic. Dark plum and cherry fruit is elegant and laced with tobacco, toast, and vanilla notes. Give it another two or three years in the bottle, then relish every drop over the next ten years or more.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Northern Sonoma ($70). This ranks as one of the best Cabernets I've ever tasted. To date, my running mental list includes a 1988 Caymus that I had fairly recently at a San Francisco restaurant, a Silverado 1991 Napa Valley courtesy of my father's wine cellar (and his generosity!), a 1977 Mayacamas that winemaker Bob Travers himself recently poured for us at the winery, and now this one -- enjoyed down to the last drop on a friend's balcony watching a thunderstorm move through downtown Houston. Rich, concentrated fruit is intricately layered with spice and oak on a big tannic frame. This is an opulent wine from beginning to end, with a flavorfully smooth and generous finish. Delicious now, with serious tannins that will continue to smooth out beautifully over the next seven or eight years. It was wonderful with grilled lamb chops, baked potatoes and creamy spinach timbales

Fetzer

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Select North Coast ($17). This was a huge hit with everyone -- the favorite wine of the evening! Smooth and supple, with black cherry and plum fruit, a touch of herbs, and tasty oak. Nice finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley ($30). Concentrated cherry and blackberry fruit are dominant here, with just a bit of toasted vanilla oak beginning to show. Needs a little more time in the bottle to smooth out the tart tannins. Best from 2002 to 2004.

Forefathers 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($32). Plummy and rich, with mocha accents mingling with concentrated blackberry and plum fruit, cedary oak and anise flavors. Supple tannins and an appealing, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years.
Forest Glen

1998 Oak Barrel Selection California Cabernet Sauvignon ($9). Concentrated but still juicy and easy to drink, this wine features loads of smooth blackberry fruit with a bit of kicky pepper, good oak, and a nice lingering finish. Ready to drink now

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon California Barrel Select ($10). Very nice Cabernet, with discernable layers of ripe fruit, oak, and spice. This is a happy wine that achieves good balance, and its moderate tannins make it very approachable for most Cabernet drinkers. Would pair wonderfully with hearty foods, but goes equally well with simple roasted chicken.

Frank Family Vineyards

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve ($65). Yes, $65... Even so, this is a delicious, well-structured Napa Cab that has plenty of years left in it - and is considerably less expensive than many of the boutique/cultish wines that you may have heard of. Complex layers of rich blackberry and currant, tobacco, dried sage and rosemary, toasty oak and a touch of smooth vanilla are structured and full-bodied. Stays focused through the finish. Could use some decanting or cellar time, but should continue to age nicely for the next seven or eight years.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($40). Just a beautiful wine, with compelling red fruit, exotic spices and earth aromas and flavors, all integrated on a rich, supple, concentrated palate. Finishes long and generous, picking up a hint of warm cedar. Delicious now and over the next eight or ten years.

Frei Brothers

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($24). Spicy blackberry and licorice bouquet leads to ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors that finish with sweet vanilla and cinnamon notes. Chewy tannins; plenty of body. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Reserve ($24). Ripe red cherry and concentrated blackberry fruit is accented with mint and toasty vanilla oak. Serious tannic structure would benefit from additional bottle age (or decant it for a few hours; we did!). This would be a great wine to pair with bold, hearty food - think something like a pepper-crusted steak!

Fritz 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley ($35). Meaty blackberry and plum flavors are accented with aromatic tobacco and toasty, herbal oak. A big, beefy wine - steak anyone? Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

Gallo Family Vineyards / Gallo of Sonoma

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Sonoma Reserve ($15). Aromatic red currant and dried cherry flavors pick up dried herbs and toasty oak through the concentrated finish. Structured enough to stand up to a juicy steak. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($13). Medium bodied, with blackberry and tart red cherry flavors that finish with toasted vanilla and cedar notes. Easy to enjoy and pair with foods. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Reserve ($13). Rich and jammy, offering supple black cherry and cassis fruit, finishing with touches of spice, toasty oak and tobacco. Ready to drink now.

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Barrelli Creek Vineyard ($30). Delicious overall package, with integrated, complex flavors that include plum, cassis, espresso bean, white pepper and anise. Intense, lingering finish. Very good now and over the next 5-8 years

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Barrelli Creek Vineyard ($30). Intense cassis and earth aromas introduce concentrated black cherry and currant fruit layered with tobacco and earthy notes. Plenty of tannic structure. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley Frei Ranch Vineyard ($28). Another favorite in our tasting, with deep black cherry and blackberry fruit, tobacco, mint, and dusty, earthy tannins. Bold, rich finish. Very good now and over the next 6-7 years.

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($13). Nicely layered and showing classic California Cab notes, including black cherry, blackberry, dill, green pepper and spicy oak. Full tannic structure could use a little softening time. Good value. Ready to drink now and over the next three to four years.

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley Stefani Vineyard ($28). Muscular and full-bodied, with concentrated black cherry and plum fruit, fresh herbs and roasted nut accents, and spicy, toasty oak. Ready to drink now and over the next seven or eight years.

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley Frei Ranch Vineyard ($28). Lush, ripe blackberry and sweet cherry flavors and aromas, with deftly balanced oak and spice. Very appealing from start to lingering finish. Delicious now and over the next six or seven years.

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($13). Huzzah! An affordable AND delicious California Cab! Smooth and rich, with ripe cherry and concentrated black currant fruit. Appealing earthiness and solid oak integration. (Just a fancy way of saying that it's yummy.) Ready to drink now and over the next few years.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrelli Creek ($28). There's wonderful intensity and complexity here. Concentrated plum and red cherry are complemented by black pepper, smoke, and licorice. Big tannins will benefit from some time in the bottle. Best after 2002.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley Frei Vineyard ($28). Concentrated blackberry and black plum fruit is studded with licorice, tobacco, spicy cedar and toasty oak. Big tannic structure would benefit from decanting or aging. Very good now, and will continue to improve over the next six or seven years.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($13) -- Easy drinking and smooth, with black cherry, currant, herbs and oak. Darn good now and over the next few years.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Stefani Vineyard ($28). Well rounded and supple, with ripe plum and jammy cherry fruit accented with spicy cedar and an appealing herbal note. Drink now and over the next five years.

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Barrelli Creek Vineyard ($26). Smooooooooth and velvety, I loved this Cabernet. Rich blackberry, currant, and black cherry mingle with briary, bourbony American oak. Great value, and it's drinking beautifully now! I think it will probably hold for a few years, but why wait?

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley Frei Ranch Vineyard ($26). Complex, concentrated notes of cherry, plum, and wild berries are backed up by firm tannins, tar, and spices. This is a beautiful Dry Creek Cabernet that is just now giving a preview of the full range of colors to come. Stock up your cellar now and try this one again in about five years.

Geyser Peak 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($17). Blackberry and currant fruit are ripe and aromatic, with white pepper, mocha and vanilla oak. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years.

Goldschmidt Vineyard

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Single Vineyard Selection Vyborny Vineyard ($65). Concentrated, ripe and velvety smooth, with elegant red currant and plum fruit laced with mocha, herb and mineral notes that pick up smoky, toasty oak on the complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Single Vineyard Selection Game Ranch Vineyard ($65). Deep and rich, with powerful aromas of licorice and toasty, vanillin oak along with full-bodied black cherry and currant fruit, and espresso, rosemary and dark chocolate flavors that mingle on the toasty oak finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years

Glass Mountain 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($8). Light blackberry and pretty herbs and spice in finish. Easy, but not stupid or sweet. Might even be nice with a light chill in hot weather. Tasty! Ready to drink now

Grgich Hills 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($58). Black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors are accented with cracked black pepper and freshly grated spices, along with nicely integrated, rich oak character. Stays bright and focused through the mouthwatering finish. Absolutely delicious! Ready to drink now and over the next six or seven years.

Groth 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville ($50).Briar and rose aromas accent classic, ripe Cabernet flavors -- blackberry, black cherry, tar and spicy oak. Smooth tannins; ripe, generous finish. Delicious now and over the next four or five years

Hacienda 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($8). This is a value-priced, smooth, easy-drinking Cab. Nice tannins, good body, and surprisingly layered with black cherry, blueberry, pepper, and a nice subtle touch of mint. Pair it with steak and a Caesar salad for a great dinner!

Hayman & Hill 2004 Meritage Monterey County ($14). Just an unbelievable deal here - pretty and aromatic, with smooth, rich red cherry and berry flavors laced with mocha, smoke, black pepper and toasty oak. Balanced, with a long finish. Ready to drink now.

Hess Collection

Hess Estate 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($20). Spicy oak supports black cherry and plum fruit, with tobacco, dried herbs and a peppery kick on the smooth vanillin finish. Ready to drink now

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon California Hess Select ($15). This is a well-focused wine - integrated ripe blackberry and plum fruit, nutmeg, leather, and subtle fennel notes combine in a tasty package. Lingering, delicious finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years.

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($18-$20). Another wonderful Cab from this consistently great winemaker. Beautiful deep color with a taste to match, showing smooth round plum and black cherry, firm tannins, and clove on the lingering finish

1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($25). The black cherry and currant flavors were fairly evident behind strong tannins and a bit of earthiness. Perfect with steak. This wine clearly has 6 or 8 years of cellaring left, This is one of those wines you buy a few bottles of and drink one every couple years. It should get better every time you taste it.

1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($20). Hallelujah! And can I get an amen? This sinfully dark red and purple wine produced rich flavors of black cherry, currant, clove, and coffee that swirled and lingered, taunted and tempted.

1992 Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($25). Wow! -- is this good. Very concentrated and chewy, with great earthy tannins and flavors of spice, blackberry, and vanilla. The Hess Collection's Cabernets typically retail in the $25 range. Look for the 1998 on the shelves now and then put it away for a few years!

Hollywood & Vine 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2480 ($80). Lush, jammy bouquet is accented with black pepper and warm spices. On the palate it bursts with vibrant blackberry and black currant fruit - intense, seriously concentrated and mouthcoating, with cocoa powder accents on the finish. Still a baby; should age nicely for years. Tempting now, but best from 2008-2018.

Honig 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($30). Not a blockbuster, more on the medium-bodied side -- but thoroughly tasty. Smooth cherry and concentrated berry with a velvety milk chocolate accent, along with toasty oak and nutmeg. Nice finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years.

Indigo Hills 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast ($13). Both of these Indigo Hills reds were pleasant surprises, and both had real varietal character. This Cabernet is full of red cherry and plum fruit with well balanced vanilla oak and a touch of spice on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years.

Judd's Hill 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($N/A). Excellent, huge, with concentrated black cherry and currant fruit, fennel and dark chocolate notes, and firm tannins that need a bit of time to smooth out. Cellar for a couple of years and then enjoy for the next five years or so.

Justin 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($25). Ripe red cherry fruit aromas and flavors are accented with game, tobacco, cilantro, and toasty oak. Nicely integrated package, and a good value. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years.

Kamen

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley ($50). A "wow" wine, with concentrated ripe black cherry and currant flavors layered with mint, spices and toasty oak. All comes together on a harmonious, integrated finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley ($50). Concentrated black currant and berry fruit is intense but not overly ripe, with mineral, espresso, cedar and just a touch of vanilla. Tightly wound, with some grip on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

Kathryn Hall Vineyards 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Sacrashe Vineyard ($44). A splurge-worthy choice -- and good value for an impressive small lot Cab. Packed with concentrated, rich red currant and blackberry fruit, a line of lush plum, and layers of smoke, cedar, and mocha. Good balance, excellent finish. Wonderful now and over the next four or five years.