I have to confess, my taste in wines seems to go in cycles. For the past six months or so, I've really been on a zin kick. That, and buttery chardonnays - and pinot grigios (Pere's favorite) on the white side.
A few weeks ago, I was having lamb and decided I needed a nice cabernet to go with it. I picked up a bottle of Benziger 2002 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon for around $20. I generally try to keep my everyday wines in the $8-$15 range, but will spend a bit more when I'm in the mood. I was pretty impressed with the Benziger that first night I had it and have since tried it on two other occassions, including tonight.
I'm sitting here now, enjoying a glass as I write this entry. This glass is just as good as the first glass I had several weeks ago. It's very fruit forward with a velvety mouth feel. Immediately what comes to mind, blackberry, cherry, and wood (not oak). The wine finishes very smoothly with just a hint of tannin. This is a great cabernet that's easily drinkable now, and should prove to be even better with a few years under its belt. I guess the real question is, will I continue to buy this by the bottle, or pick up a case or two so I can continue to enjoy it into the future.