The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley is another very good value. Ripe black currant, herb, and spice box aromas are followed by a medium-bodied, attractive, fruity Cabernet with good texture, depth, and richness, and no hard edges. It should drink nicely for 7-8 years. Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174

The similarly-styled 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is the most fruit-driven of these offerings. (Not yet released)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

This is a beautiful Cabernet, and at this price, a super deal. It’s dry and soft, with the dusty tannins and herbal flavors that mark Alexander Valley Cab. But you’ll find rewarding notes of blackberries. A great job from this veteran winery. ——S.H.(3/1/2010)—— 91