The 2007 Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon starts with a rush of dark fruit on the nose mixed with some black tea and espresso nuances playing second string.  On the palate, expect another round of black fruit - blackberry, black cherry, plum and a delicious drop of dark chocolate with a fine layer of vanilla and oak-driven spice. 

The tannins are well-managed, giving both support and flexibility to the fruit components with an emphasis on bold character and decent complexity, this Cab wraps up with a fairly long finish.  Benziger offers a Cabernet Sauvignon that can dress up or down depending on the dish.  It's perfect for pairing with barbecue, favorite cuts of red meat, burgers, chili and venison stew. 

Disclosure: A sample was provided for review. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

Napa Valley's Conn Creek Winery is one of those hidden gems, sequestered along the Silverado Trail.  A place that puts people in touch with the ground, the grape and ultimately the glass through lively wine education via their innovative, hands-on AVA Barrel Blending Seminar.  

With 15 barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, all representing key sub-appellations of the Napa Valley, and four barrels of Bordeaux "seasoning" varietals (Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot), the Conn Creek AVA Barrel Blending room is brimming with wines just waiting to be tasted, tested and ultimately blended into your personal wine.  

After an entertaining overview of Napa's celebrated Cab country layout, participants are armed with a beaker in one hand and a Cabernet Sauvignon style guide in the other - then cut loose to start their very own wine adventure.  This one-of-a-kind wine blending session culminates in bottling and labeling your exclusive Cab creation.  Check out the details here ...

The 2007 Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is a heady blend of bold aromatics including mocha notes, dark berry and a dash of cedar.  On the palate expect big flavors, a second showing of rich, dark fruit, mainly plum and blackberry woven together with dark chocolate and a decent dose of vanilla on the finish.

The tannins are well integrated and the overall balance remains remarkable.  This Conn Creek Cab can dress up to pair well with black pepper beef, rich game, lamb or go casual with burgers, brats and your favorite pub grub. 

The 2009 Carmenere from Concha y Toro is a terrific introduction to the Carmenere grape.  A full body, gorgeous ruby red color and engaging aromatics bring on the fruit and floral medley - expect blackberry, currant and a dash of fresh ground, black pepper spice followed by a decent dose of dark chocolate to round out the nose of this feisty Chilean red. 

On the palate, dark fruits - mainly blackberry and plum, play center stage with backup vocals coming from well-integrated tannins,  silky smooth textures and an enduring, vanilla-laced finish.  Plenty of depth, character consistency and an unmistakable balance make this a solid Chilean red wine find. 

Disclosure: A sample was provided for review. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.