L.A. WINELINE 2001 CABERNETS THAT REALLY SHINE.

Byline: - Larry Lipson

The word is out that California cabernet sauvignons from the 2001 vintage, especially those from Napa Valley, are comparable to the high- rated 1997 and 1994 vintages.

One of this state's strongest discount wine merchants, the Wine Club, with outlets in Santa Ana, Santa Clara and San Francisco, has a pretty hefty selection.

Its current newsletter is featuring eight 2001 cabs of note: Sequoia Grove Rutherford ($20.99), Silverado ($31.99), Solaris Special Reserve ($12.99), Charles Creek La Sonrisa Del Tecolote ($20.99), Robert Mondavi ($34.99), Beringer ($29.99), Chappellet Signature ($34.99) and Turnbull Oakville ($27.99).

Information and orders: [phone] or www.thewineclub.com.

BEAUJOLAIS AT SKIRBALL: This year's Beaujolais Festival by the French-American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles takes place Nov. 19, the day following Beaujolais Nouveau Day, at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

French foods, beverages, a silent auction and, of course, a tasting of the just-arrived 2004 Beaujolais Nouveau wines along with entertainment and a raffle for a round-trip flight from LAX to Paris on Air France will highlight the celebration.

Tickets are $65 (members $45). Reservations recommended. Call [phone].

SOMMELIER COURSE AT SEA: Taking a Level One Master Sommelier course on a cruise through the Panama Canal is something a budding wine enthusiast shouldn't miss. So says the organizer, Food & Wine Trails of Santa Rosa.

The 16-day cruise from Miami begins Jan. 18, 2005, and will cost upward of $3,099 plus $350 for the course and round-trip airfare ($199).

It's sponsored by L'Ordre Mondial of the Confrerie de la Chaine de Rotisseurs.

Information and bookings: [phone] or www.foodandwinetrails.com.

WINE FOR 99 CENTS: For those who think the biggest wine bargain in town is still Two Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw, $2 a bottle), let me remind you that the 99 Cents Only store actually stocks drinkable wines priced at 99 cents.

A few days ago, I purchased two bottles there, a white nonvintage Eagle Canyon simply dubbed California White Table Wine, and a red 1999 Salitage pinot noir from western Australia.

The white had a musky nose but respectable taste. It was dry, slightly tart - packaged in a classy ribbed, dark olive green bottle that would seemingly be worth at least 99 cents empty - and would complement fish or chicken rather well at a pinch.

The pinot noir seemed to have high acid and restrained fruit, and was as good as some pinot noirs of five to 10 times its price. Not an award winner by any means, but worthy as a companion to your favorite burger anytime.

SIPS & NIBBLES: Winemaker Steve Rasmussen of Talley Vineyards is stepping down but will stay on through the 2005 harvest. Rasmussen will be able to pay more attention to his own label, Rosso di Paso. ... Sterling has revived its SVR (Sterling Vineyards Reserve) Bordeaux blend of all five classic varietals with the 2001 vintage release at a $45 suggested retail price. ... Two more California Meritage names: Ballentine calls its merlot and cabernet franc blend Integrity, and Miner Family Vineyards has dubbed its Bordeaux-style red The Oracle.

Larry Lipson, [phone]

larry.lipson(at)dailynews.com