Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 This 2003 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer Vineyard X is very ripe and aromatic, throwing out cascades of inviting scents. New toasty oak dominates, with undercurrents of blackberry jam, blueberry, mocha, and anise.

Cabernet Sauvignon Phaedrus, 2007 The Wolf Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Phaedrus is an under-the-radar estate with top-notch wines made by skilled wine-making consultant Karen Culler. This 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Phaedrus is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It offers a deep plum/purple hue as well as a fragrant bouquet of unsmoked cigar tobacco, sweet cherries, black currants, and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, round, generous, and silky textured, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 10 to 12 years.

Duckhorn's Paraduxx, 2006 Paraduxx is an innovative Napa Valley Red Wine, fusing California's own Zinfandel with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chateauneuf du Pape, 2008 The 2008 Chateau De Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the few outstanding wines produced in this vintage. More evolved than Beaucastel's wines tend to be, it reveals a healthy dark plum/ruby color, notes of licorice, meat juices, smoked game, black currants and garrigue, medium to full body, silky tannins, good freshness, surprising depth for the vintage and a long finish. Drink it over the next decade. Robert Parker gives it 90 points.