Cabernethttp://davidsiegel.squarespace.com/cabernet/en-US2009-11-30T04:18:24ZSquarespace Site Server v5.8.3 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Cabernet Makershttp://davidsiegel.squarespace.com/cabernet/2008/10/21/cabernet-makers.htmlDavid Siegel2008-10-21T16:30:29ZYou’ll pay more for a good cabernet than for a similar-quality zinfandel, but it can be worth it. Keep in mind each wine varies by year, but in general these wineries are making wonderful wines. I’d much rather have one good glass of wine than a mediocre bottle. Always try a bottle or two before ordering a case.

From my amateur experience in wine drinking, the important thing to understand about a wine called "Cabernet Sauvignon" is that it can have up to 18% (or more? I'm not sure.) Merlot, and it usually has about 2% Cabernet Franck. In my opinion, less is better. The more Cabernet, the better. If you can taste the Merlot, you're wasting your money on Cabernet. This is a difficult balance to strike, but several vineyards manage to do wonderful things with these three grapes. Whether they are called Cabernet, Meritage, or simply Red Wine, there are some beautiful smooth wines waiting for you to discover them.

Chappellet Vineyards is now making award-winning cabernets on their gorgeous estate overlooking the Napa Valley. This wonderful family, known for their excellent chardonnays, is completely dedicated to quality and preservation. Try their Signature Cab and if you don't love it, Fed-Ex it to me and I'll finish it for you.

Caldwell Vineyards makes the lovely Rocket Science Red that is mostly Cabernet and very affordable. Around $40. I am eager to try their other signature red wine, simply called Caldwell.

Heitz Cellars - Famous for their Martha’s Vineyard cab, this is one of the best wines I’ve ever had in my life. Each year is different, but the Martha’s is very special. It has a slight eucalyptus flavor and is just yummy. Expect to pay over $100 per bottle.

Robert Craig makes extremely drinkable, pleasant wines. Try the Affinity, which comes out of the bottle like silk and lasts a long time on the palate. Or try the Howell Mountain for something more bold.

Silver Oak specializes in Cabernet and pretty much sets the gold standard in Napa. Stick with the Napa Valley, which is the expensive big brother to the Alexander Valley and worth it. It’s usually smooth and very flavorful. It’s always at least $100/bottle and is usually a good investment.

Whitehall Lane is my everyday house cab. It comes out of the bottle smooth and ready to drink. It’s hard to get a wine this good for under $35, and they also make 375ml splits that are ideal for consuming alone or with a friend. Year after year, this cab performs consistently. If you see it on a restaurant menu, it's likely to be a good value.

There are a million cabernets coming out of California. If you find a rich, delicious, smooth one, please let me know and I’ll add it to the list.

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