Wine selections.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

FIVE STARS

***** 97 Cakebread 1999 Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon (California). If the deep, dark ruby color isn't enticing enough, then the rich aromas of ripe black cherries, dusty chocolate and cedar certainly are; on the palate, ripe, dark fruit flavors of cherry, blueberry and cassis mix with hints of chocolate and dried herbs; supple tannins and a long, smooth finish. $130

***** 96 Chateau Montrose 1998 St. Estephe (France). Saddle leather, black cherry, plums and violets all come together in the nose and follow through to the palate; luscious and medium in body; a fine example of Classified Bordeaux (Second Growth); about 65% cabernet sauvignon blended with a significant amount of merlot. $70

***** 95 Joseph Phelps 2000 Insignia Red Table Wine (California). An amazing wine; deep ruby, black color; expansive aromas of ripe black fruits, cassis; medium to full-bodied on the palate, fully ripened flavors of cassis and oak; long, lusty, slightly tannic finish; a tremendous choice for the cellar. $125

***** 95 Martin Ray 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (California). Top-flight cabernet from this perennial quality producer; the 1999 shows off vivid color and a seductive bouquet of Asian spice, leather and cigar box; the fruit is a melange of currant, black cherry and hints of blackberry; the balance is a nearly flawless combination of elegance and power. $20

***** 95 Paradigm 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (California). Very concentrated and forward nose with loads of blackberry, black cherry, cassis and currant aromas, supported by notes of pencil lead, oak and damp earth; rich and full on the palate with all the fruit flavors confirmed in a long, balanced and silky finish; soft tannins give the wine structure and the possibility of many years of cellar longevity. $50

***** 95 Quinta Da Bacalhoa 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (Portugal). The finest Cabernet produced in Portugal, eerily reminiscent of top Pauillac; dark, dense and concentrated, with currant, cassis, plum, cedar, spice, smoke and vanilla flavors; outstanding structure; built for the long haul, but delicious today. $30

***** 94 Nelms Road 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (California). This second label of Woodward Canyon is an awesome value; complex with cassis, oak and blackberry. ($20)

***** 94 Chateau St. Jean 1999 Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon (California). Aged in French and American oak and offers layer upon layer of blackberry and cassis flavors balanced by soft tannins and vanillin oak nuances; a great job. ($23)

***** 93 Sterling Reserve 1999 …