2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Howell Mountain ($70). Concentrated blackberry and currant flavors and aromas are focused and layered with accents of white pepper, cedar, espresso and baking spices, with a long, slightly earthy finish. Tempting now, with a couple of hours of decanting, and over the next 8-10 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-10-09)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Affinity ($45). Absolutely delicious, with all the structure and depth of classic Napa Cab — offers pretty black cherry and currant fruit laced with aromatic dried tobacco, floral and spice notes that evolve and linger on the luscious finish. Tempting now and over the next six or seven years. (Weekend Wine 05/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder ($70). Opulent, aromatic black fig and spicy mocha notes accent focused plum and cherry fruit, with bright acidity, supple tannins and a long, generous finish that opens up as the wine is allowed to breathe. Ready to drink now and over the next six or seven years. (Robyn’s Picks 12/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain ($70). Lush, spicy chocolatey aromas accent rich blackberry and cherry fruit that stays ripe and luscious through the long finish. Picks up spicy vanilla and toast accents along the way. Delicious now and over the next six or seven years. (Robyn’s Picks 12/06)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($18). Eucalyptus dominates the nose here, with plum, red currant and vanilla flavors struggling a bit to come through. Everyone agreed that they liked the Merlot better! (Drinks with Les Dames, 08/06)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($18). Cedar-scented sweet black cherry and berry flavors pick up vanillin oak and warm spices on the moderate finish. Stays quite fruit focused throughout. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 10/05)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville ($45). Really delicious, with full-bodied, smoky black cherry and berry fruit accented with tobacco, cedar, cocoa powder and spices that fold together on a big finish. Decant a bit now, or drink over the next six or seven years. (Richard’s Picks 10/07)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve ($125). Absolutely lovely, with opulent blackberry and currant fruit intricately layered with smoke, aromatic clove, licorice and toast that fold together on a smooth, complex finish. Fine tannins. Rich and delicious from beginning to end. Very good now and should age beautifully for at least ten years. (Splurge Wine 12/07)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve ($125). An elegant, structured version of this well-known wine, with restrained, earthy aromas that merely hint at the fruit to come. Concentrated blackberry and exotic plum flavors are laced with cedar, tarragon and creamy vanilla accents that linger on the complex finish. Very good now and over the next ten years. (Splurge Wine 04/06)

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Estate Vineyards ($22). Here’s a great value on an Alexander Valley Cab, offering rich, bold black cherry, plum and blackberry aromas and flavors, and a ripe finish that features baking spices and toasty vanilla. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-6 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-11-01)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($19). Iodine on the nose and a little green on the palate, with eucalyptus accents to red cherry and plum flavors. (Winery Spotlight 08/06)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Reserve ($40). Pretty blackberry and black olive aromas give way to a mouthful of concentrated blackberry and currant flavors, showing some grip on the long, focused finish. Should continue to age quite nicely — drink now and over the next five or six years. (Weekend Wine 05/07)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Alden Vineyards ($30). Lush and pretty, with ripe blackberry and cherry flavors, tobacco, dark chocolate and dusty tannins that fold into a long voluptuous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Winery Spotlight 08/06)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Alexander’s Crown ($30). Minty aromas and flavors accent blackberry and black cherry fruit, with smoke and a bit of leather along with toasty oak accents. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Winery Spotlight 08/06)

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Coast Reserve ($40). Very nice, integrated and intense, with blackberry and plum fruit laced with smoke and hints of eucalyptus and tarry oak emerging on the long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (Winery Spotlight 08/06)

2001 Red Meritage Alexander Valley Symmetry ($55). Richly aromatic, with lush, complex layers of flavors, including blackberry, plum, tar, licorice, espresso and baking spices that come together on a smooth, opulent finish. Delicious now and over the next five or six years. (Winery Spotlight 08/06)

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($17). This wine was very nice. A beautiful dark red color, featuring concentrated cherry, dark chocolate, and vanilla oak flavors, a hint of spice, and good balance, this wine was thoroughly enjoyable now and will improve nicely with another three or four years bottle age (Weekend Wine, 10/00)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Diamond Selection ($60). Concentrated and intense, but still elegant, with lovely black fruit character — berries, plum, currants — layered with herbal and spice notes and integrated oak influence. Focused finish. Very nice now and over the next seven to eight years. (Weekend Wine 08/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($28). This concentrated wine packs a flavorful punch of plum, currant, vanilla, and lots of pepper and spice. The tannins are firm up front, but dissolve into a silky lingering finish. (Wine Tasting Party, 02/00)

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley Andolsen Vineyard ($35). Rich and aromatic, with floral-scented blackberry and black cherry fruit that picks up light herbal, clove and toast notes through the smooth, lengthy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-07)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley Andolsen Vineyard ($35). Smoky cedar aromas and flavors accent concentrated blackberry and currant fruit, with dried herbs, espresso and toast emerging through the focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Richard’s Picks 06/07)

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley Andolsen Vineyard ($35). Lovely balance here, with floral-laced black currant and blackberry aromas and flavors that pick up cedar, cocoa powder and dried herbs through the sleek finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine 08/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Cimarossa Vineyard ($75). Lovely concentration here, with intense black cherry and berry fruit laced with sweet baking spices and touches of tobacco and mineral. Long, focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next eight-plus years. (Splurge Wine 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso Vineyard ($50). Rich but elegant, with aromatic blackberry and plum fruit accented with cedar, tobacco, warm spices and toasty vanilla that fold together on a long, concentrated finish. Delicious now and over the next six or seven years. (Weekend Wine 01/08)

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso Vineyard ($50). Deeply concentrated, with dark purple, aromatic black fruit flavors — blackberry, cherry, currant — laced with mint, tobacco and spicy vanilla. Just an overall pretty wine, with a smooth texture supported by well-integrated chalky tannins and a long finish. Delicious now and over the next 8-10 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-02-03)

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Cherryblock ($75). 2004 marks Sebastiani’s 100th year in Sonoma as a family winery. The release of the 2001 Cherryblock commemorates the winery’s 100-Year anniversary (“Centinaio”). Owned by the Sebastiani family since 1919, the Cherryblock Vineyard produces the winery’s flagship wine. Rich and concentrated, with mushroom-laced black cherry and blackberry fruit aromas and flavors. Nice balance between dry, earth tones and higher, toasted oak and vanilla notes. Wonderful mouthfeel, generous finish. Awfully tempting now, but should continue to evolve beautifully for the next 10-15 years. (Wine Skinny Best, 06/04)

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County ($20). Sophisticated and concentrated berry and black cherry fruit is layered beautifully with subtle oak, tobacco and earthy notes for an all-around wonderful wine. The finish is luxuriously never-ending. Very good now and will continue to improve over the next five years. (Winery Spotlight, 08/01)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Landslide Vineyard ($34). Lovely aromatics here, including rich blackberry and blueberry, baking spices and vanilla — all of which appear on the palate, especially the deep blackberry fruit, along with dark chocolate, toast and just a touch of roasted herbs. With a long, lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 03/08)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($26). Smooth and pretty, with supple, medium-bodied blackberry and plum flavors that pick up smoky dark chocolate, toast and savory herbs through the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Winery Spotlight 10/07)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Reserve ($60). Moderate black cherry and berry aromas and flavors are laced with sage, earth, chocolate and black olive notes that add interest to the tightly wound finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 05/07)

2004 Oroppas Napa Valley ($55). Concentrated and aromatic, with lush blackberry, blueberry and red cherry aromas and flavors that mingle with cedar, clove and bittersweet chocolate notes. Long, smooth finish. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. Drink now and over the next four or five years. (Splurge Wine 04/07)

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($35). Cedar-laced blueberry and cherry aromas and flavors pick up espresso, black licorice and leather notes that come together nicely. Full-bodied, with rather grippy tannins on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next seven or eight years. (Weekend Wine 11/04)

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($35). Delicious overall package of well-balanced red plum and cherry fruit, with lush spices and herbal notes that linger beautifully on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five years. (Robyn’s Picks, 02/04)

1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($26). I sampled this wine immediately after opening it, so that I could compare it 30-60 minutes later. While some are skeptical about the value of letting a wine breathe, I am a believer that some wines improve significantly with a little air time. The first taste was a little tannic, and overshadowed the flavorful fruit underneath. The flavors were compressed and not fully available. After an hour of air exposure, the tannins softened a bit, but more importantly the hearty flavors became more abundant and available. Plum, black cherry, and oaky wood being the most obvious. This is a very good wine now, and with cellaring would improve over the next 3-5 years. (Tony’s Splurge Wine Picks, 12/99)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($38). Pretty, with slick blackberry and currant character laced with vanilla, floral, anise and toasty oak, with a long, plush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-07)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Dollarhide Ranch Limited Release ($85). Smooth and lush, with concentrated blackberry and black currant fruit laced with exotic spices, licorice, coffee and toast that unfold slowly throught the long finish. Very nice now and over the next six or seven years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Splurge Wine 08/08)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($28). Very nice, with lush, rich plum and blackberry flavors that are deftly layered with sweet tobacco, fresh cut herbs, a touch of lavender and toasty, vanillin oak. Supple tannins and a long, smooth finish. Very appealing! Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Robyn’s Picks 12/06)

($28) is quite distinctive, with its aromatic cassis, licorice and dark chocolate notes that introduce sleek, concentrated blackberry and black currant fruit that stays elegant and focused through the finish. Opened up after some time in the glass. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. We paired it with a tangle of mixed lettuces and herbs topped with roasted chicken thighs, toasted pecans and a drizzle of olive oil. The wine’s deep, nearly tangy black fruit profile worked really well here — this is a versatile, food-friendly Cabernet! . (Picks & Nibbles 02/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($48). Full-bodied blackberry and plum fruit is layered with aromatic tobacco, espresso and lush spices. Shows a bit of grip on the lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 12/07)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($48). Delicious ripe red cherry aromas and flavors are accented with milk chocolate, spices, tobacco and coffee – all folding together on the long, ripe finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (Robyn’s Picks 12/06)

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Estate Reserve ($65). Leather and sweet tobacco aromas and flavors accent bright red cherry fruit and vanilla and cedar notes, with lead pencil picking up through the jammy plum finish. Rich and voluptuous, with moderate tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine 02/05)

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($42). Beautiful wine, featuring ripe black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors, with integrated clove, licorice, mocha and black pepper accents. Lovely balance and harmony here. Full-bodied with a generous finish that stays bright and fruity. Tempting now and over the next eight or nine years. (Weekend Wine 11/04)

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($40). A classy wine, with intense red cherry and berry fruit deftly balanced with rich spices, tobacco, mocha, and toasty vanilla oak. Lush, lingering finish. Medium- to full-bodied. Ready to drink now and over the next seven or eight years. (Richard’s Picks, 04/04)

2005 SVR Reserve Napa Valley ($50). Aromatic, deep blackberry and black currant fruit shows some grip and cedar and black pepper accents on a full-bodied frame. Long finish could use some time to smooth out. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), Merlot (18%), Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah. Best from 2010 to 2015. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-21)

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Diamond Mountain Ranch Vineyard ($65). Quite impressive, offering structured black currant and berry fruit with rich, elegant character and accents of mocha, baking spices and toast. Just a baby now — should age nicely for the next 10+ years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-21)

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve ($75). If this wine is any indication, I’d say that those of you who haven’t paid much attention to Sterling lately should take another look. In fact, this wine reminded me of some of the 70s-style Sterling Cabs that I’ve been lucky enough to taste (thanks, Dad!). Winemaker Mike Westrick’s notes begin with “This wine is built for the cellar,” and he’s not kidding! Dense, closed, with substantial tannins that need time to smooth out. But the fruit is there — concentrated, intense blackberry, currant, black cherry – along with layers of sage, cocoa and dusty cedar. After decanting, and several hours of breathing, the wine started to open up and show its pretty side. But for now, cellar it for at least a few years. Drink from 2011-2021. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-18)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve ($75). Tightly-wound blackberry and currant fruit picks up bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon and black pepper notes through the focused finish. Needs more time in the bottle or plenty of decanting time. Best from 2010 and over the next four or five years. (Drinks with Les Dames 06/07)

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Diamond Mountain Ranch ($65). The exception to the tasting, this one was mostly closed – and never really opened up – with briar notes and not much fruit to speak of. Same goes for the second bottle tasted. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Drinks with Les Dames 06/07)

2004 SVR Napa Valley ($50). Licorice-laced black plum aromas and flavors are focused and concentrated, with a fleshy, rich finish that picks up toasty, vanilla oak along the way. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (34%) and Petit Verdot. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Drinks with Les Dames 06/07)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($25). Restrained blackberry and currant flavors are accented with briar and spicy espresso notes, all coming together on a moderate finish. An elegant style. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 08/06)

2002 SVR Reserve Napa Valley ($50). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (24%), Petit Verdo, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, this is a deep, aromatic, rich wine. With ripe blackberry and plum flavors layered with bittersweet chocolate, baking spices, and pretty vanillin oak accents that linger on the smooth finish. Very good now and over the next ten years. (Weekend Wine 12/05)

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve ($75). Deep and concentrated, with rich currant and black cherry fruit laced with black pepper, espresso, mushroom and cedar notes. Nicely integrated tannins and lovely structure. Very good now and over the next six or seven years. (Weekend Wine, 05/04)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($8). Nothing particularly complex here, it’s true, but still a nice array of ripe red cherry, plum and spice flavors make for a solid quaff. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting 10/05)

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($8). Smooth red cherry and blackberry fruit are laced with touches of spice and toasty oak. Easy and appealing and ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 02/05)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Rutherford ($55). Aromatic cedar and loads of spices accent red raspberry and cherry fruit, picking up dashes of leather, tobacco and oak on the long, focused finish. Tightly wound tannins now suggest nice aging potential. Tempting now and over the next seven or eight years. (Splurge Wine 10/06)

2003 Coeur de Vigne Napa Valley ($90). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) and Merlot (44%), this initially offers meaty plum and earthy aromas that open up to include sweet red berry, introduce sweet red berry, warm baking spices, blueberry, fresh herbs, coffee and toasty oak that all mingle on the lovely finish. Elegant tannic structure. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Splurge Wine 10/06)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve ($100). Powerful cedar, anise and clove aromas and flavors accent concentrated red cherry, plum and raspberry fruit in this full-bodied yet elegant wine. The flavors evolve through the long, lush finish, picking up espresso and toasty oak along the way. Smooth mouthfeel belies powerful tannic structure. Appealing now, but best in about three years. Then enjoy for at least ten more. (Splurge Wine 10/06)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Elodian ($40). Really pretty and entirely drinkable now (though it will also nice nicely), offering aromatic red cherry fruit laced with touches of sage, tobacco, baking spices and toast that fold into a smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Winery Spotlight 08/08)

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($75). Deep and intense, with rich black cherry and blackberry fruit, leather, bittersweet chocolate, sweet earth, white pepper and spicy, toasty oak flavors. Full-bodied. Harmonious bouquet and overall integration of flavors. Silky, lingering finish. Wonderful! Ready to drink now and over the next seven or eight years. (Robyn’s Picks, 02/04)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($90). Dense and rich, with intense blackberry aromas and flavors layered with warm spice, bittersweet chocolate and a touch of smoke. Loads of tannic structure supports a plummy, focused finish. Delicious now but will age well for 10+ years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Winery Spotlight 08/08)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley VSR ($135). Eddy only produces this Reserve wine occasionally – in exceptional vintage years like 2002. This has everything that the 2002 Cabernet offers, but with even more concentration, body and tannins. Somehow, though, it still manages to have an appealingly refreshing aspect to it. Best after 2010, then drink for another 15+ years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Winery Spotlight 08/08)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Elodian

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($80). Complex aromas and flavors include black cherry, blackberry, violet, sweet cedar, leather, dark chocolate and toast — all folding together on a full-bodied, rich frame. Substantial, chewy tannins and a mouthful of flavors. Long, evolving finish. Tempting now (with decanting and a few hours of breathing time), but should continue to age nicely for many years — eight to ten, at least. (Weekend Wine 06/07)

2000 Cabernet Sauvingon Napa Valley Elodian ($34). A brand new release from veteran Napa Valley winemaker Tom Eddy, the debut production of Elodian was limited to only 1,100 cases to complement his luxury-style Tom Eddy Cabernet Sauvignon. “The 2000 vintage was classic in Napa,” said Eddy. “Sometimes we’ll sell a few barrels that don’t fit into the Tom Eddy program, but all of the wines in our cellar were worth bottling on their own in 2000, so it made sense to bottle some of the softer lots under the new Elodian label.” The wine is tightly wound, with integrated black cherry and blackberry fruit and tiers of spice, dark chocolate, earth, vanilla and oak. Lovely structure and balance. Drink now (decanting will help open it up!) and over the next five or six years. (Splurge Wine, 12/03)

($37). Spicy blackberry jam and floral aromas introduce sleek blackberry and blueberry flavors, along with lush chocolate, toasty vanilla oak and warm spices. Focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine 06/07)

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon California ($10). Concentrated, aromatic blackberry fruit is accented with baking spices, briar and vanilla notes that linger on the focused finish. A lot of bang for the buck! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 08/06)

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($10). Nice structure and winemaking — amazing at this price — with blackberry and plum fruit laced with aromatic clove and herb notes. Dry tannins persist through the finish. Ready to drink (by the case, perhaps?) now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 07/05)

2004 Napa Valley ($90). A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, this wine offers up a smoky, earthy nose followed by pretty black cherry and berry fruit flavors that are evolve into a complex, elegant, smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Drinks with Les Dames 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2004 V Napa Valley ($120). Earthy, anise and dried herb aromas accent tightly-wound currant and concentrated berry fruit. A chewy mouthful of wine with distinctive character and exotic, spicy notes. A blend of 55% Petit Verdot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. Could use a bit of decanting now or drink over the next four or five years. (Drinks with Les Dames 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.