Both the 2005 and 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley are straightforward, easy-going, mid-weight, pleasant efforts to drink during their first 5-7 years of life. One of the value producers in northern California, Souverain consistently fashions attractive red and white wines. Souverain’s Cabernet Sauvignon program features fruit from the Alexander Valley, which can produce wines with rustic tannins and earth. I do not believe the quality of the 2005s and 2006s is as high as it was in 2004, 2003, and 2002, nor as high as what they should accomplish in 2007. Nevertheless, the 2005s and 2006s are well-made wines.Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174

Souverain consistently produces a good, sometimes very good Cabernet at a decent price point, and their ’05 is right up there with past vintages. Dry, balanced and rich in tannins, it has classic varietal notes of black currants, cedar and herbs. Should develop for the next four or five years.——S.H.(12/1/2008)—— 88