Wine of the Week: Huge Bear Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (CA) $55

The full-bodied Huge Bear Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Sonoma county is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and has been carefully oaked in all new French Oak. A premium has been set on quality and consistency in this limited production red wine and it shows ... from pour to palate there is a rugged strength and sophisticated overtone that dominates this Cab. So what's in the glass? A flurry of purple and garnet hues grab the glass, while the aroma gives rise to ripe red fruit soaked in caramel and vanilla swirl. The palate produces an intensely engaging mix of blackberry and dark cherry enticingly wrapped in vivid vanilla, the tannins offer strength and well-defined structure, and the smokey finish is nothing short of exquisite. Keep this wine in mind for red wine lovers at your Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings - would also be perfectly partnered with prime rib or gorgonzola topped steak hot off the grill.