Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Served With: Pot Pie

Five Things: inky, milk chocolate, rose petals, smooth, long finish

COO: Napa Valley, California

Notes: Two amazing Napa Valley cabs in one night -- and on a Thursday, no less -- is some kind of personal record. This is an all-star wine: balanced acidity/tannins with a finish you could time using a sun-dial. As with the Sinskey, it was paired with the homemade pot pie and really offered a contrasting perspective -- sort of like dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate. (tasted for #calicabs)

Website: Chateau Montelena

Rating: Delicious

Tags: napa valley, california, Cabernet Sauvignon, chateau montelena, 2006

Robert Sinskey Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon RSV Vineyard SLD Estate 2000

Served With: Pot Pie

Five Things: dark, chocolate, cherry, integrated tannins, brawny

COO: Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley, California

Notes: Wow. This one needed some decanting and some time for the funk to blow off, but once it did, it revealed a wine with a wonderful combination of brawn and balance (tannins). Paired with a homemade pot pie loaded with root veggies and a hearty gravy, this wine came alive. (tasted for #calicabs)

Website: Robert Sinskey

Rating: Delicious

Tags: stag's leap district, napa valley, california, sinskey, Cabernet Sauvignon

Seven Artisians Meritage 2006

Served With: Barbecue

Five Things: magenta, smoke, damask rose, black cherry, solid tannins

COO: Suisun Valley, California

Notes: A blend of 89.5% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.25% Malbec, and 0.25% Petite Verdot, this wine has some solid structure behind it and enough acidity to cut through the smokey slabs of barbecue.

Website: Seven Artisians

Rating: Very Good

Tags: Suisun Valley, California, Mertiage, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Verdot, 2006