Certainly that is not the case with the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Barelli Creek. This gorgeous Cabernet exhibits a dense purple color in addition to a big, sweet nose of charcoal, camphor, blackberries, cassis, cedar, licorice, and earth. Full-bodied with supple tannins as well as superb concentration, texture, and length, this beauty can be approached now, or cellared for 15-20 years. This is an impressive group of wines from the gigantic Gallo Family Vineyards. Both shrewd readers looking for values as well as connoisseurs should check out these current and upcoming releases.Tel. (707) 433-2458

Sweet berry fruit, cherries, spice, graphite, oak and mint aromas. Rich, supple and full-bodied jammy fruit with elegant tannins and a lovely sweet length.

A brilliant effort, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Barelli Creek offers up abundant aromas of cassis, camphor, smoked herbs, and subtle oak in a full-bodied, rich, concentrated, yet silky-textured style. This flamboyant, mouthfilling Cabernet should easily last for 10-15 years. Occasionally lost in the focus on the enormous size of the Gallo empire is how good many of their wines can be, not to mention a bevy of terrific values. The following cuvees are all sensational bargains. Pinot Noir is often over-priced because of the number of outrageously expensive red Burgundies in the marketplace. Hence, finding a good Pinot Noir for under $50, much less $20 is virtually impossible. Gallo has delivered what may be the finest bargain in Pinot Noir in the marketplace.Tel. (707) 433-2458