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