There’s no doubt Killian chose the finest lots for his 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker’s Reserve. It simply has more of everything in it. Deep bluish/purple with lots of blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with graphite, pen ink, spicy oak, licorice, and earth, the wine is full-bodied, rich, and should be an impressive value even at the full mark-up of $40 when released in a year or so. This wine should evolve for 12-15 or more years. (Not yet released)I only tasted one white from Souverain, which has a well-deserved reputation for offering considerable quality at favorable prices.Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker’s Reserve reveals potential. It possesses loads of coffee-infused black currant fruit and plenty of toasty oak, hints of tobacco leaf, licorice, and earth, medium to full body, and sweet tannins (always a good sign in this vintage). 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

With soft tannins, gentle acidity and herbal flavors of blackberries and cherries, this dry Cabernet displays classic Alexander Valley character. It’s a little simple now, but should develop interesting bottle complexities over the years. ——S.H.(4/1/2011)—— 89

The finest of the group is the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker’s Reserve. Aromas and flavors of espresso roast, sweet toasty oak, black currants, licorice, and spice box are present in this medium-bodied Cabernet. With soft tannins as well as a velvety, savory mouthfeel, it can be drunk now and over the next decade. 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