The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Estates spent 16 months in 33% new oak, again a remarkable expense for a $11 wine. Medium purple-colored, it sports an inviting nose of spice box, violets, earth notes, cassis, and black currant. Forward on the palate with plenty of ripe fruit and succulent flavors, it will deliver pleasure over the next 6 years. Columbia Crest, part of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, is Washington’s largest winery. It produces mammoth amounts of wine (2,000,000+ cases) at a remarkably high level of quality. A visit to the cellars reveals brilliant organization, high morale, and a sense of personal involvement by the staff that undoubtedly adds value to the finished wine.Tel. (509) 875-2061; www.columbia-crest.com

With plenty of consumer-friendly vanilla/tobacco flavors, this value Cabernet also brings in dark fruits—blackberry and cassis. The tannins have been smoothed out a bit, though they still carry a little bit of a stemmy edge. A good everyday choice for that burger.——P.G.(5/1/2010)—— 87