Chumeia Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast 2001 Price $14.99 Rating 88 Chumeia (pronounced koo-may-a) is based in Paso Robles. Aromas of plum, strawberry and black cherry are followed by the same flavors plus a root beer hint in the refreshing finish. Visit www.chumeiavineyards.com.

Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 2002 Price $28 Rating 94 The nose leads with refined leather and subdued black fruit. Flavors of cassis, cedar, lead, dark ripe fruit, mineral and subtle toasted oak all convene in the long finish. More to discover at www.closduval.com

Clos du Val Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2001 Price $62 Rating 94 This is the winery's flagship wine. The flavors are gripping with black currant and big mineral complexity. This massive red must be decanted when it is this young. It must be allowed to open up and show its stuff.

Clos du Val Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap 2001 Price $95 Rating 95 The nose is elegant with olive, currants, cedar and lead earthiness. The sip offer a bright spectrum of red fruit, along with the Bordeaux-like hints of cedar and lead, so called "pencil shavings." This red is complex in a subtle fashion. The first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1972 was one of only five California Cabernets selected for the now-legendary 1976 Paris Tasting.
That same vintage took first place in a rematch 10 years later, proving that Clos Du Val wines age with grace.

Columbia Winery "Otis Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley 2000 Price $25.99 Rating 92 Established in 1957 by Otis Harlan, Otis Vineyard is one of the important vineyards in Washington The nose is delicate with herb and soft leather. The sip is brisk and firm with cassis, leather. mint and ripe blueberries in the long, complex length.
Wine maker David Lake's influence is obvious in the red wine's elegance.
Discover more at www.columbiawinery.com.

Cutting Horse by Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 2001 Price $25 Rating 92 The nose leads with cassis and menthol. The flavors are of bright red fruit, plum, cherry and dusty minerality in the good length on the palate. Notes of menthol and spice are noted. More details are at www.trefethen.com.

Dog House "Checker's Cab" Cabernet Sauvignon, California 2002 Price $8.99 Rating 87 The sip is rich and varietally correct with ripe cassis, olive, red cherry, and good length as well. This drinks like a much more expensive Cab. Don't let the screw cap fool you. Check out the pedigree at www.doghousewine.com.

Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 2001 Price $30 Rating 92 A complex nose of black fruit with dust, flavors of black cherry, currant, subtle leather and mineral follow in the good length. Learn the whole story at www.florasprings.com.

Geyser Peak Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2001 Price $46 Rating 95 The powerful nose is packed with cassis, leather and black fruit. The sip is complex with cassis, plum, black fruit, dusty earth and cedar/"pencil shaving" in the long, concentrated finish.

Goundrey Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Australia 2003 Price $16 Rating 88 The nose shows dusty blackberry. The sip is very fruit forward with blueberry, spiced plum and black cherry. Visit www.goundrey.com to find out more.

Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2002 Price $25 Rating 92 The sip enters with dusty cassis and black cherry. There is blackberry and more mineral in the long length. Visit their website at www.napacellars.com.

Peter Lehmann Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa 2002 Price $15.99 Rating 90 The nose shows elements of black fruit, with subtle oak and a tiny touch of bell pepper. The sip is velvety and expansive with black currant, menthol and big, but balanced, oak. The tannins are obvious, but tamed. Learn more at www.peterlehmannwines.com.

Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2001 Price $39 Rating 94 The nose leads with dusty, concentrated currant. The sip is complex with cassis, leather, complex mineral, menthol and olive in a long, resounding length on the palate. Find out more at wwww.pineridgewinery.com.

Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2002 Price $39 Rating 95 The nose leads with tobacco, exotic Asian spice and brighter, and red fruit.
The sip explodes with more tobacco, red fruit and leather in the long length.

Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap 2001 Price $70 Rating 95 The nose boasts dark fruit and is mineral driven. The sip showcase concentrated red fruit, brown spice and exotic nuances throughout the long length.