The best wines are both plush and fruity with dark fruit notes like blueberries while maintaining low alcohol levels, good acidity, a velvety mouth feel and a lingering finish. Make no mistake about it, these wines will age gracefully. Drink up though, this wine has reached its apogee. At the top of my list is Dashe Cellars.

According to the website, "Thirty years after planting their first vineyard, Girard continues a fine tradition of producing highly-rated wines." I, for one, never understood the close relationship between Girard and Rudd, and sought out the history from Steve Ross, Director of Wine Education at Girard Winery. It's clean and elegant.

I have a love/hate relationship with Wine Spectator. routinely disagree with their wine scores (they gave Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2005 only 85 points - WTF are they thinking?!) Araujo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley "Eisele Vineyard" 2005 * Smoky garnet color. That being said, a delicious wine. Very fine.