The Cabernet article

The statistics still show that Cabernet and Chardonnay are the two most purchased and consumed varietals domestically. As we mentioned last week, covering all of the great Chardonnay in one article is challenging, and similarly with Cabernet - that task is daunting. The varietal grows well in Washington state and in Idaho, and some of the wines produced from California-grown Cabernet are the toast of the world.

Part of the dominance of the varietal is driven by the same factors that drive Chardonnay. There is a comfort level there. Many of us, when we started drinking red wine, started with Cabernet, and there is comfort in that and in knowing what we will get. Just like Chardonnay too, styles of winemaking abound. Trying to decide what to include in our 800-ish words is challenging, but at the risk of those great wines we might miss, here are some of our favorites.

One of our new favorites this year is the Lucinda and Millie Cab from Mendocino County in California. This all-organic wine from this small family-owned winery is just a joy to drink ($12). The name of the winery came from the sheep and chicken that adorn their label - Lucinda and Millie: despite their species differences, they are "best friends." The wine is ripe and fruit-driven, and great for Cabernet folks in the summer, providing a bit lighter take on the grape.

The Cabernet from Clayhouse Wines in Paso Robles ($14) is unique, with its ageing in a mix of stainless tank and oak barrels for nine months after the fermentation is completed all in tank. The resulting wine is a bit lighter and fresher, making it a great choice for summer as well. The dark fruit flavors of cherries and plums and firm tannin from the Cab are maintained, but the more restrained oak leaves you with a great food wine - perfect when the temperature soars.

We are equally excited about the Clos La Chance Cabernet from the Central Coast of California ($15). The wine shows great depth and sophistication for the price, with dark fruit flavors throughout, leading to a firm finish with lots of layers and length.

The Market Vineyards Arbitrage Cabernet ($32) from the Columbia Valley in Washington is a stellar example of the great work being done with the varietal in our neighbor to the west. The wine is dense and rich, loaded with flavors of cherries and plums, and cedar spice box on the nose. The finish is lengthy and framed with firm tannin, presenting hints of vanilla and baking spices to go along with hearty fruit.

Any mention of Cabernet and Washington state would be lacking without mentioning the great work being done by John Abbott at Abeja in Walla Walla. We have long felt that John is one of the very best winemakers in the Northwest and he remains at the top of his game. His Cabernet ($48) is stunning; it is ripe, rich and sophisticated, and appeals to Cab appreciators that span many styles.

Famed Napa Valley producer Honig has created a truly great wine with their 2010 Bartolucci Vineyard bottling ($95). It is, in short, Napa Valley in a bottle. This low-yielding vineyard in a warmer microclimate produces fruit that the winemaking team at Honig uses to create the big muscular Cab for which this iconic valley is known. Dark with firm structure and rich lush fruit notes, the wine is truly magnificent.

Pride Mountain Vineyards, which straddles the county line between Napa and Sonoma in northern California, has been one of our favorites since our time living in Wine Country. Their estate Cabernet ($82) is one of the best wines we get each year, and sadly one of the smallest allocations. The Pride Cab is one of those wines that you don't really realize the quality until moments after you swallow the first sip. It is a powerhouse that builds on itself and just keeps getting better and better. The layering of flavors throughout the drink and the length of the finish is truly extraordinary.

For more choices of this most demanded varietal, stop by the shop or consult with your favorite wine professional. The choices are nearly endless; if you include all of the great blends based on Cabernet, there is indeed a lot of exploring to do.

If there is a topic you would like to read about, or if you have questions on wine, you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party, a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George has also worked as a judge in many wine competitions; his articles are published around the country and is the wine editor for Coeur d'Alene Magazine (www.cdamagazine.com). You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles, as well as other great wine tips, by friending us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.