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Call me a Cab- a Cabernet that is

By Darryl Beeson

Below is a diverse array of Cabernet Sauvignons. They fit the fanciest of dining, or sometimes the simplest of suppers. You, or your pocket book, will decide. Cabernet Sauvignon is often regarded as the "king" of red wine grapes. It is the primary grape of the great wines of the Bordeaux region and has been cultivated world wide. It is known for its high level of tannins, dense ruby color and medium to full body. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes produce full-bodied, fruity wines that are rich, complex and intensely flavorful.

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 www.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.

Sagelands Vineyard "Four Corners" Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2001
Price $15.99
Rating 91
The nose hints of dark fruit and subtle mineral. The sip leads with blackberry and mint. The oak elements are well balanced with the complex fruit. Discover more at www.sagelandsvineyard.com.

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 2002
Price $32
Rating 93
The color is deeply concentrated. The nose is packed with black currant and delicate dust complexity. The sip, like velvet, showcases a spectrum of red and black fruit. There are notes of leather and earth in the middle. Learn more at www.sequoiagrove.com.

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Rutherford 2001
Price $55
Rating 94
The nose is complex with black cherry, dried fruit, rich plum, mocha and a dusting of spice, all within the sniff. The sip is same powerful song, second verse. Sequoia Grove Vineyards was founded in 1978 by Jim Allen, whose love for European wines inspired him to look for the perfect place, leading him to the Napa Valley.

Three Theives "Bandit" Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Price $7 one liter "Brik"
Rating 86
Simple red wine in an easy format. There are flavors of cassis, plum, mocha and toasted oak. Don't let the box fool you. The grapes are a blend of Napa, Sonoma and Lodi grapes. About 10% Syrah was added to the mix. More details are at www.threethieves.com.

Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 2001
Price $42
Rating 93
The nose is packed with cassis and cedar. The sip offers cassis, cedar and complex mineral in the long, delicate finish. More details are at www.trefethen.com.

Trefethen Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 1999
Price $75
Rating 94
The nose is expressive with rich red fruit along with exotic jasmine spice tapering off into black olives. The sip is full of currant and plum, balanced with soft tannins. Raspberry and mocha are in the long finish.

Trinchero "Family Selection" Cabernet Sauvignon, California 2002
Price $11
Rating 90
There are aromas of ripe tomato and subtle herbs. The sip is layered with cassis, dark fruit and herbal complexity. The sourcing of the grapes was 84% Lake County, 13% Santa Barbara and 3% Monterey. Serve this Cabernet with thick, freshly grilled steak lathered in herb butter when taken off of the grill. Learn more at www.trincherowinery.com.

Turnbull Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 2004
Price $40
Rating 90
The aromas are big and bold. Lots of ripe red fruit along with big brown spice are in the sniff. The sip is soft with red cherry and mineral. The length is medium.

Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra 2001
Price $14.99
Rating 91
The nose offers dried black fruit, a slight raisin richness. The sip offer flavors of powerful black fruit, raisin and subtle menthol in the long finish. More to know is at www.wynnwswines.com.

Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine values. In the past, he has been wine steward or cellar master for The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Voltaire, and The Adolphus Hotel. Not one for stuffiness or secret handshakes relative to wine, this Texan might now be described as a "ki-yi-yippee sommelier, sommelier." Beeson reports on wine, spirits, food and travel for numerous publications.

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