The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet and comes primarily from the Alder Ridge Vineyard. Aged in 40% new French oak, it is a workhorse effort that dishes out solid aromas and flavors of black fruits, graphite, coffee bean and assorted spices to go with a balanced, rich, medium-bodied palate. The oak is slightly obtrusive at the moment, but it has good fruit and will drink well through 2020. Drink now-2020. Tel. (509) 786-1800; www.apexcellars.com

Sourced entirely from prestigious Alder Ridge (whose eponymous winery is owned by Apex parent Precept), the Apex 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon features dried dark berries and fig mingled with vanilla and licorice for a sweetly ripe palate impression that is imposingly rich and relatively polished but would benefit from a bit more primary sap and energy rather than the faintly desiccated and tart finish that ensues. Predictably, the producers argue for the value of time in bottle but I am skeptical.Founded in 1988 and maintained for two decades as a partnership between Harry Alhadeff and winemaker Brian Carter, Apex is now one of numerous high-volume labels under the umbrella of Precept Brands, Washington’s largest privately-held wine company, which also owns eight Northwestern wineries, several prestigious already prior to their recent acquisition. The several wines I tasted (blind) suggest that this long-familiar label remains a source of value well-worth further investigation.Tel. (509) 786-1800

This is structured around pretty, clean, primary fruit flavors. It’s forward and accessible, with dusty blueberry and pale black cherry most prominent. Pleasant drinking, though not as concentrated as the Apex Merlot. ——P.G.(11/1/2011)—— 88

Pure Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes from both Klipsun (Red Mountain) and Sagemoor (old vine) vineyards. The extra bottle age —four years after the harvest—has done wonders for this wine, and it is beautifully integrated and polished. An aromatic entry promises plums, cassis and blackberries. In the mouth some riper, figgy fruit flavors coalesce around barrel notes of toast and roasted coffee. Drinking well, but cellarworthy for another 6–8 years.——P.G.(7/1/2011)—— 90

High-toned and sharp, this Cabernet features sleek berry and cassis fruit. On the palate it feels both slightly hot and acidic; it needs decanting. If you like some spice and plenty of new oak, this is a good choice.——P.G.(6/1/2009)—— 87