(96) Larkmead Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). One of the top Napa cabernet sauvignons tasted from the 2006 vintage; packed with rich flavors of dark cherry, cassis and a hint of graphite; extremely concentrated and balanced, the sweet fruit masks the tannins into a smooth, lengthy finish. ($69)

(96) Viña Cobos Bramare Lujan de Cujo Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Argentina). The wine has a gust of aromatics. In the glass, it displays chocolate, spice and black currant; it has a refined palate with layers of fruit and balanced acidity; a big wine but not overly powerful. ($44)

(95) Cavus Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California). Combines bold, ripe, rich and supple currant and blackberry fruit with shades of anise, mineral, black licorice, mocha and graphite; picks up a complex earthiness, ending with a long, focused finish and fine-grained tannins. ($80)

(95) Martin Ray Santa Cruz Cabernet 2005 (California). An exotic nose of coffee and black fruit with a hint of chocolate and earth; a complex, well-balanced, rich wine that is distinctive in its flavors and finish; ripe tannins lend to a velvety finish; drink with lamb or other rich meat dishes. ($40)

(95) Viader Napa Valley Proprietary Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California). An iconic Napa cabernet sauvignon-based blend; it is massive and powerful starting off with flavors of blackberries and fresh herbs; the black fruit quickly changes to fresh red fruit flavors like strawberry; the wine finishes off with a punch of chocolate and lavender. ($90)

(94) Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Washington State). Great balance of dark fruits, rich concentration and the perfect amount of tannins; the superb finish leaves you with a hint of chocolate. ($29)

(94) Il Pareto Toscana IGT 2004 (Italy). A rich bouquet of currants, black cherries, cassis, pencil shavings and balsamic; in the mouth it is elegant with well-integrated tannins; rich with Tuscan earthy tones, ripe cherries and black fruits; a great expression of 100 percent cabernet sauvignon; a long finish; it will develop for another decade. ($80)

(94) Kinneybrook Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). A rich but soft wine, typical of the best Sonoma has to offer; its deep ruby and purple color is followed by loads of black currant fruit mixed with hints of smoke, earth, anise and dried herbs; medium to full bodied, wonderful ripeness and purity, with soft tannins. ($25)

(94) Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). Deep, dark and rich in color with an alluring bouquet, deftly crafted with a layer of flavors that carry through from first sip to last swallow. A serious wine that is almost Bordeaux-style by nature, but it still maintains that West Coast flair. ($30)

(93) Angels Landing Napa Valley Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). A rich bouquet full of blackberry compote backed up by subtle aromas of earth, savory meat and spice notes, but the fruit scents take the lead; beautifully balanced, it shows a deft touch with its tannins that gives it a firm grip, but this is nicely tempered by a plush mouthfeel; almost-tart blackberry flavors start the palate off, followed by some lush and rich black fruit flavors; the finish is long, lush and rich. ($20)

(93) Principe Corsini Marsiliana Toscana 2004 (Italy). This blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and traces of six other grape varieties is a brilliant and medium ruby in the glass; the nose is an interesting blend of spice, dark fruit and subtle notes of mocha; its elegance and structure combine on the palate to demonstrate the wine’s complexity and potential. ($54)

(93) Ramey Napa Valley Claret Cabernet Blend 2005 (California). A Bordeaux-style blend with great intensity, proper balance and the ability to age in the near-term. ($40)

(93) Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). In the glass, this wine is a dense but brilliant ruby red, showcasing its youth and potential; the nose is dominated by black fruit, both berry and plum, with subtle spicy notes; it is rich and mouth filling, with plenty of weight and structure; a balanced and lingering finish, showcasing the wine’s pedigree; it is elegance in a bottle. ($28)

(93) Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). Black currant and plum aromas give way to juicy cherry and plum flavors; very rich and lush; velvety on the finish. ($23)

(93) Stonestreet Alexander Valley Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California). This wine opens with an attractive blackberry and black currant-like bouquet with hints of smoke; on the palate, it is medium bodied and smooth; shows finesse with its tasty blackberry flavors and notes of strawberry rhubarb; the finish is dry, and it has managed tannins that linger. ($40)

(93) Tolosa Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). Black cherry and berries explode from the glass; it has hints of plum, blackberry and spice with touches of cedar and oak bring the wine to life; the velvety finish leaves you wanting more. ($18)

(92) Beringer Knights Valley Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). Great complexity and depth while still retaining a big, flavorful hit; it has a nice acidity, rich tannins and a solid concentration of fruit. ($22)

(92) Calistoga Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California). Aromas of violet, currant, leather and dust lead to robust flavors of black fruit, vanilla, tobacco and earth, with firm tannins; cellar two to five years. ($30)

(92) Edgewood Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). Rich and concentrated, with plenty of up-front fruit on the palate; classic aromas of cherry and spice are followed by flavors of black fruits with cedar notes; rich, it is well balanced and makes a perfect foil for rich dishes. ($20)

(92) Famiglia Bianchi San Rafael Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Argentina). On the nose, this wine shows classic notes of cassis, ripe figs and rosemary oils; in the mouth, it has a light, fresh attack with pleasant acidity backed with persistent round and elegant tannins that are the preamble to a finish with rosemary tones and orange peel. ($19)

(92) Ghost Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). Brimming with bright Oakville fruit; blackberry, tobacco and spice on the nose; cherry, cassis and vanilla are wrapped around slightly drying tannins and chocolate on the finish. ($52)

(92) Owen Roe Sharecropper Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Washington State). Wines that possess great texture, complexity of flavor and balance provide memorable wine experiences. This wine goes even further, with each of its components delivered in almost time-released quality and unfolding with long flavors and purposeful precision; the bonus is a long finish with deeply integrated fine black spice. ($18)

(92) Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). A lovely floral nose with a hint of white pepper; on the palate, the wine has blackberry, truffle and spice with a hint of new oak; it’s a good value. ($14)

(92) Perez Cruz Valle del Maipo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Chile). Perez Cruz is an outstanding producer that shows off the finest qualities of Chilean wine; this is a medium-bodied and well-balanced wine that exhibits flavors of green tea, black licorice and cassis; the wine finishes with a palate-coating flavor of bittersweet chocolate; drinks significantly above its price point; a real value. ($12)

(92) Robert Foley Napa Valley Claret 2006 (California). Nearly 100 percent of this Bordeaux-inspired, knockout wine is made from cabernet sauvignon, which is evident from the dense black currant fruit and notes of dried herbs on the palate. It has a notable 15.5 percent alcohol, but the firm tannins and complex fruit create a harmonious wine of great balance and structure. ($115)

(92) Terra Valentine Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California). It is blended with a touch of merlot and cabernet franc; a nose of violet, cedar, spice box and blackberry; evolves quickly in the glass to display greater aromatics; bright fruit and a long finish complete the package. ($38)

(91) L’Ecole No. 41 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Washington State). Rich, dry, complex and elegant with soft tannins; tasty now and should develop over the next couple of years. ($35)

(91) Andeluna Tupengato Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Argentina). Aromas of vanilla, chocolate and cherries lead to a full body with flavors of plums and ripe berries; hints of spice on the finish produce an outstanding, well-balanced wine that is a wonderful value. ($13)

(91) Jade Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). It has a light aroma of spicy black cherry that might have opened up later if the bottle had lasted long enough; flavors of caramel apple and blueberry stand out; medium tannins in this medium- to full-bodied cabernet sauvignon. ($12)

(91) Laurel Glen Vineyard Sonoma Counterpoint 2005 (California). Its pleasingly funky nose offers aromas of forest floor, lawn clippings and red flowers; the taste is sheer pleasure, luscious and giving with layers of cranberry, dark chocolate, orange zest and an anise note on the long finish. It makes me want to keep coming back for another taste. ($30)

(91) Montes Alpha Colchagua Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Chile). Brilliant, medium ruby red in the glass, the nose is dominated by red and black berry fruit, with subtle hints of toast and vanilla; wonderful fruit on the palate, with balanced tannins and lots of weight; the finish is long and balanced, as well; ready to drink, but also a keeper. ($23)

(91) Silverado Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California). This is an estate-grown cabernet sauvignon; it is handcrafted in a rich, elegant style with excellent fruit, tobacco and tannins. ($46)

(91) St. Francis Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). Round and supple up front, yet the core is chock full of black fruits and cocoa flavors; a firm backbone and finish that one and all can enjoy; a wine that will never let you down. ($20)

(91) Trinchero Stagecoach Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California). Deep, purple hue; nose of plummy fruits, cocoa powder, cedar shavings and toasted oak; after an hour of air, herbaceous, almost minty aromas begin to appear, along with a touch of anise; it has medium-plus body; the palate is filled with dark fruits, ripe black currant, melted black licorice and herbs; the tannins are slightly drying on the moderate finish. ($40)

(90) Oberon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California). Michael Mondavi offers a great value in this wine; it has rich flavors of cherry, plum, raspberry and blackberry that are followed by a nice mixture of chocolate and toffee on the finish. ($17)

(90) Wyatt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). This wine is soft and juicy with sweet stewed plums on the palate and a substantial grip; aromas of wild raspberry, pomegranate and subtle notes of vanilla, fennel seed and Indian spice; a fine pairing to herb-stuffed roast pork loin. ($13)             ·