Top Picks for Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas of cumin, toasted walnut, marinated beef, and cedar with an fat body and an intricate, medium-long blackberry thicket, pink peppercorns, smoked tea, and minerals finish with leafy, woody, chewy tannins and moderate oak. A complex and substantial Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon with surprising depth, terroir and nuance; this could easily pass for a second growth Bordeaux.

Dusty ruby black color. Curious aromas and flavors of dried stone fruits and potpourri flowers, tomato beet-pickle relish, spicy pomegranate pastry, and beef stock with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity fat body and a graceful, interesting, medium-long marinated root vegetables, honeyed nuts and herbs, and earth finish with fine, chewy tannins and light oak. A rich meaty, herbal red that will shine at the table.

Black garnet color. Elegant aromas of ripe cassis, dark chocolate coated coconut, rose petals, caramel, and roasted nuts with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, complex, very long ripe blueberries, hibiscus, pomegranate, and leather patina finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak. A knockout, endless Coombsville cab that is ready to drink or for a slumber in the cellar.

Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate espresso bean, toasted sandalwood and pencil shavings, berry pie crust, and hint of lilac water with a bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a distinctive, very long cinnamon roll, craisin and dried tomato, cedar, and earth finish with well-integrated, chewy, dusty tannins and moderate oak. A remarkably complex, spicy, and satisfying young Saint Emilion with an even brighter future ahead of it.

Deep purple color. Aromas of cedar, black cassis, plum, sweet violet, and anise with a chewy, lively, dryish full body and an effortless, layered, very long bramble, leather, grilled meats, and black pepper finish with firm tannins and moderate oak. A brooding wine with a breathtaking finish that will continue to improve with time.

Dusty dark black garnet color. Complex aromas and flavors of prune, candied bacon, black olives, black licorice, and boysenberry cordial with an dryish full body and a warming, subtle, long cinnamon, allspice, violet liqueur, and incense finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak. A rich, well-structured Cabernet that will delight fine diners.

Black ruby color. Spicy aromas and flavors of wooden chest, tomato chutney, wood shavings, dusty violets, and tamarind with a velvety, lively, fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, long charred meats, spiced berry fruit leather, toasty blueberry scone, and cinnamon danish finish with moderate oak. An elegantly fruity Sonoma red; finely integrated and ready to drink.

Murky black ruby color. Aromas of smoked meat, bacon balsamic, and pencil lead with a satiny, vibrant, bone-dry full body and a warming, interesting, long pan seared dates, stewed cremini mushroom, pumice stone, and grenache finish with chewy, earthy tannins and moderate oak. A bold Rutherford Cab with dimensions left to explore; will benefit from time in either the decanter or the cellar but is highly hedonic now.

Nearly opaque indigo color. Aromas of black cassis, charred pine cone, sandalwood, star anise, fine cigarettes, and smoked sausages with a satiny, vibrant, dry full body and a warming, elegant, medium-long tar, chinese 5 spice, and pink peppercorns finish with firm, well-integrated tannins and heavy oak. A silky, mysterious Howell Mountain that will come alive with cellar time.

Dark garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of dried berries, leather, gherkin and castelvetrano olives, and toasty pie crust with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, nuanced, long creme brulee crust, nut skin and brittle, and dusty earth finish with fine, silky tannins and moderate oak. A satiny, finely integrated cabernet with an elegant posture.