Sometimes grilling is an activity to feed a crowd — burgers, hot dogs and the like — and a slew of bargain wines is the order of the day.

Then there are those evenings when you have a couple of well-marbled, bone-in ribeyes (for example) and you plan on sharing the feast with just that one deserving person. At those moments, only a really good Cab will do. And I’ve been in Cab-heaven as of late – here are some that definitely make the grade:

Chateau Montelena 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley The Montelena Estate ($135). Sweet smoke, cigar box and cedar notes accent rich blackberry and concentrated black currant fruit. Tightly-wound at this point; needs some time in the bottle. Best from 2012-2018. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Chateau St. Jean 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Cinq Cepages ($75). Elegant, lovely, balanced — with supple layers of blackberry, currant, dried sage and black tea notes that mingle through a refined finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-7 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. 

Chateau Tanunda 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Noble Baron ($50). Concentrated black currant and ripe black plum aromas and flavors pick up sweet smoke, mint tea and peppery spice note through the supple finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Hestan 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($100). Brawny but still elegant, with structured layers of dense currant and blackberry fruit, baking spices, smoky tobacco and dried herbs. With a long, complex finish. Decant to drink now, or age for 10+ years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Kendall-Jackson 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Jackson Hills ($40). Intensely concentrated, offering loads of blackberry and black plum fruit accented with toast, warm spices and vanilla notes. Ready to drink now, but should age well — over the next 5+ years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Meyer Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($45). Really good (and really well-priced!), offering waves of supple, rich blackberry, black cherry, cream, licorice and dark chocolate, with a lush finish supported by integrated tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-7 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.  (2010-02-22)

Robert Craig 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Affinity ($48). Loved this wine — and it’s downright affordable in the big scheme of things. Offers deep blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors accented with lush bittersweet chocolate, sweet tobacco, warm spices, cedar and toast accents that linger on the supple finish. Delicious now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Stephanie 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($50). Sturdy structure supports rich blackberry, black cherry, espresso, sweet tobacco, sage and cedar notes, with a long, complex finish. A lot of wine for the money, and cellar-worthy. Decant and enjoy now, or hold for the next 10 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Tom Eddy 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Elodian ($45). Loved the balance and elegance here — and at a great price! Rich currant and blackberry aromas and flavors are laced with sage, black pepper, cigar box and cedar notes, with just a bit of grip on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Tom Eddy 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($80). Savory smoke, cedar and aromatic spices accent a core of supple blackberry and black currant fruit, with an array of warm baking spices emerging through the long, elegant finish. Very nice now and over the next 8-10 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.