Wine selections: to Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel suggests a lineup of top quality and value cabernet sauvignon.

With the autumn months upon us, we asked the National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend their favorite cabernet sauvignons, a red varietal worthy of special gift-giving or opening for a holiday meal As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's suggested retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you're a retail professional who would like to participate in our panel, call Richard Brandes at 212-353-3832, or email him at [e-mail].

FIVE STARS

***** (97) Bond Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Made for Bill Harlan by Michael Levy and Michel Roll from a high-elevation vineyard above Lake Hennessy; a powerhouse wine; densely concentrated with velvety tannins; ultra-ripe aromas of plums and blueberries; incredibly rich on the palate; huge yet polished. ($399)

***** (97) Arrowwood Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (California). Unfined and unfiltered, this is the wine of wines for the true lovers of big, bold, expressive cabernet, with gobs of rich, dark cherry flavors balanced by wood, cassis and tobacco tones; a superb treat. ($125)

***** (97) Staglin Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Seductive and sleek, with its chocolate, cinnamon, cherry, cola and more chocolate; flavors mirroring nose with pulses of cherry and chocolate reverberating in this purely hedonistic wine. ($125)

***** (96) Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (California). Blackberry jam and black currant nose followed by spicy oak and rich fruit forward flavors on the palate; very-well balanced wine with tamed tannins and a long finish; fantastic. ($65)

***** (95) Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). There is nothing as exquisite as sitting back and sipping on high elevation fruit from the Napa Valley, and this red is no different; unfiltered, so you get the full impact of the deep dark black fruit; decanting highly recommended to fully receive the concentrated fruits and attributes this wine has to offer. ($78)

***** (95) Alexander Valley Vineyards Wetzel Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (California). Robust, mouth-filling flavors of plum, black cherry and currant balance with sweet/toasty oak and firm tannins; great now and even better in a few years, ($19)

***** (94) Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Washington). Purple/crimson hued; delicious aromas and tastes of chocolate, earth, nuts, sweet vanilla, leather and mushrooms, finishing with a slap of bacon fat and toasty oak; soft tannins give it a dusty, slightly gripping finish; approachable and crowd-pleasing. ($36)

***** (94) Chateau Puy Blanquet St.-Emilion Grand Cru 2000 (France). Bordeaux elegance at an affordable price; smooth and velvety with easy tannins; blackberry and dark cherry fruit; drink it now. ($18)

***** (94) Alterra Grand Reserve Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Highly extracted; a beautifully balanced wine, boasting powerful flavors of blackberry, mint and black currant, with a bit of spice and pepper before fading into a long finish; the round tannins and pleasing acidity make this a perfect match with steaks or hard cheeses. ($20)

***** (93) Laura Zahtila Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). A nose of brambles leads to a beautiful mouthfeel that is plump with flavors of wild berries; Rutherford dust, toast and marzipan, all accented with rose petals, anise, earth and oak; a very complex and serious heavy-hitter, but with an elegance and finesse. ($52)

***** (93) Versant Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). From an estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, this wine is remarkably drinkable; full-bodied with a luscious texture and silky tannins; aromas of ripe plums and blackberries; rich on the palate and balanced by oak. ($80)

***** (93) Joseph Phelps Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Affordable Phelps cabernet from Napa fruit, the Innisfree is made only in excellent vintages such as 2003; fruit-forward with concentrated ripe blackberry, cassis and vanilla beautifully balanced on the palate; soft and supple, with ripe dark fruit flavors and the perfect tint of oak; as elegant and complex as you would expect from one of the world's premium cabernet producers. ($23)

***** (93) 2003 Steltzner Stag's Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). One of the most unheralded producers in Napa Valley; deep and dark in color with an intense bouquet, mouth-filling flavors with just a hint of dustiness, and a finish that stays with you long after you swallow. ($30)

***** (92) Justin Vineyards & Winery Reserve Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Massive, gripping, dusty, tannins, but nonetheless balanced with enormous fruit; decant for several hours or lay down for up to a decade. ($44)

***** (92) Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). This California cabernet out of Sonoma County is a powerhouse of blackberries; a beautiful dark garnet color that lures you in and once tasted brings you back again and again; very concentrated on the palate but has a smooth long finish; soft tannins make this quite approachable. ($20)

***** (92) Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Smooth and full-bodied with layered black currant, black cherries and blackberries; elegant and refined with firm tannins that show near the finish; fantastic with a grilled New York strip steak. ($30)

***** (92) Clos du Val Oak Vineyard Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (California). Aromas of red berries with a floral quality; hearty, yet elegant, with its dense red fruit and fine-grained tannins; picking up more red fruit and velocity on the considerably lengthy finish. ($60)

***** (92) Groth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). A lovely nose, with blackberry, mocha, cassis and oak; velvety textures deliver similar flavors, while its gritty, ripe tannins thrust this wine into the upper echelon. ($55)

***** (92) Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Washington State). Full-bodied, lush, rich, with a wonderful finish that lingers on; a pleasure. ($40)

***** (92) Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Chile). This gorgeous Chilean cabernet has the finesse of a Bordeaux with broad and rich flavors, reminding us of California while exuding superb depth and concentration and a finish that lacks the harsh tannins usually associated with a youthful cabernet sauvignon; dark ruby, with a dry, austere bouquet showing subdued black and red fruit aromas; soft, dry and expansive on the palate, with ripe cherry flavors and mild oak. ($18)

***** (92) Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Washington). Dense and supple yet powerful; layers of rich black cherry and plum fruit flavors balanced with oak; a beautiful, lengthy finish. ($33)

***** (92) Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (California). Overflowing with blackberry and cassis, with a hint of mocha; jammy, sweet tannins and a long finish; always a treat. ($15)

***** (92) Quara Cafayate Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Argentina). From the Andes Mountain vineyards situated at 6,000 feet, a truly delicious wine; deep, purple color; rich, ripe aromas and flavors of currant, blackberry and plum. ($11)

***** (92) Ray's Station Vineyards Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Elegant and harmonious with nuances of black currant, cherry, coffee and light, sweet toasted oak; a soft, spicy, lingering finish. ($18)

***** (92) Firestone Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). A lovely fragrance of lilac, blueberry and terroir; leads to flavors of black fruit with firm tannins on the end. ($20)

***** (92) Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Fruit is bright and uplifting; nice structure and length of finish; a surprising value. ($19)

FOUR STARS

**** (91) August Briggs Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Dark berry and cassis character accented with vanilla, fennel and anise; stout tannins, but well structured and ripe; packed with fruit and heft but still approachable and elegant; can cellar for two years. ($52)

**** (91) Karl Lawrence Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Medium to full-bodied; tightly wound and snappy, the 2003 has loads of spicy dark cherry and blackberry fruit; firm tannins. ($55)

**** (91) Whitehall Lane Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Cassis aroma; dark fruit, cassis and some cherry; substantial tannins and a long finish. ($40)

**** (91) Paradigm Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Pure aromas of cassis and kirsch with a luring anise note; rich and velvet-like with dark, red fruit and bright, sweet tannins, long-winded. ($52)

**** (91) Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Blackberry and black currants upfront, with milk chocolate toward the back; seamless and very smooth, well crafted; a sure bet with a New York Strip. ($65)

**** (91) Garrison McBride Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). This brand has caught on throughout the country because of its upfront fruit, cherry-berry flavors and licorice notes; a nice match with red meats, pasta dishes and veal Milanese. ($15)

**** (91) Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Washington). Nicely balanced and subtle showing blackberry, cherry and soft oak notes: impressive depth and length on the finish. ($19)

**** (91) Kaiken Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Argentina). Dark garnet with a full bouquet of rich black and red fruits and earthy terroir notes; soft and full on the palate, it shows amazing richness that never gets overbearing, and in fact stays quite supple, allowing its complexity to really shine; black cherry, blackberry, cocoa and coffee flavors make for a delightful interplay; the finish is long and luscious; great value. ($11)

**** (90) St. Supery Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Impressive cassis and blackberry aromas backed up by fudge and sweet cedar; a medley of blackberry, cassis and black cherry delivered on a smooth texture with fine, ripe tannins. ($28)

**** (90) Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Washington State). Medium-bodied with a nice supple texture; well-balanced black cherry fruit and new oak; soft tannins and a nice finish. ($21)

**** (90) Shingleback Mclaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Australia). Most of the Australian cabernets we have tasted have been real fruit bombs lacking in depth and definition--not this wine; it reminds us of a fine Napa Valley cabernet with its rich inky hue, perfumed bouquet, firm backbone and layers of flavor that make this wine a sheer delight from first sip to last swallow. ($20)

**** (90) Forth Vineyards MI Boys Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Bright, bountiful berries and cherries, toasty oak and supple tannins combine to create a delightful and accessible wine. ($20)

**** (90) Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon "Wines of Catena" 2004 (Argentina). From the heralded Catena Family, this gem is full-bodied, layered with dark bright cherry flavors and an earthy, tobacco and spice ending; great with red meats. ($13)

**** (90) Running With Scissors Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Dark cassis, cedar and hints of eucalyptus dominate on the rich nose, while notes of anise, blackberry and cherry fill the palate; broad, supple finish; best with steak, roasts and meat stews. ($10)

**** (90) Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Argentina). Big flavors of plum, black cherry and currant are complemented with firm tannins and acidity; an impressive effort. ($19)

**** (90) Torres Gran Coronas Reserva 2001 (Spain). Made with 15% tempranillo; complex with black fruit, coffee and vanilla notes; a graceful food wine. ($22)

**** (90) Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (Australia). Rich and full-bodied; packed with dark fruit; cellaring it some will definitely be rewarding. ($10)

**** (90) Stephen Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Complex flavors, soft tannins and French oak are blended nicely; matches well with chicken, veal, lamb and pork. ($11)

**** (90) Firestone Vineyard Select Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Subtle aromas of berry and currant lead to soft, ripe black fruit flavors with a sweet, tangy zesty finish; a great value. ($12)

**** (90) River Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (California). A nice, easy going wine at a reasonable price, this latest vintage of River Road showcases the grape's ripe black cherry, plum flavors; the finish is smooth and supple with a nice hint of toasty oak. ($12)

**** (90) Crosby Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (California). A straightforward cab with aromas and flavors of plum, cherry, mocha and chocolate; smooth with soft tannins; a good pizza wine. ($10)

**** (89) Stuhlmuller Vineyards Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Wonderfully aromatic fragrances and flavors of blue fruit, especially blueberries and plums; silky, elegant and balanced meant for immediate enjoyment; flavors jump from the glass. ($28)

**** (89) Justin Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (California). Cassis aromas; dark fruit, cassis and some cherry flavors; medium tannins and a fairly long finish. ($26)

**** (89) Climbing Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Australia). Deep color and rich fruit; a fun cabernet that is a pleasure to sip; a screw cap closure. ($15)

**** (89) Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). Distinctly Napa, with its black currant, blackberry and creme de cassis; rich and layered with flavors mirroring nose, with firm, well-integrated tannins. ($40)

**** (89) Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (California). Pure and sweet creme de cassis accented by red, fleshy fruit and vanilla; plush and full-bodied, with lots of vanilla and butterscotch hovering over a base of cassis : and black currant, with more vanilla on the classy exit. ($65)

**** (89) L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Washington State). A well-balanced wine with licorice and spice, lively cherry and berry fruit on the palate; pairs well with filet mignon. ($30)

**** (89) Bernard Griffin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Washington). Appealing now for its clean and focused flavors of dark cherry, currant and leather. ($16)

**** (89) Andeluna Winemaker's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Argentina). Super-dark purple, this wine has a moderately full bouquet of ripe, rich black cherry aromas and a touch of peppery spice; soft, round and full on the palate with a velvety mouthfeel; ripe dark berry flavors and a long, lush finish. ($11.50)

**** (88) Sobon Estate Amador County Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California). An organic wine of great concentration and depth; good fruit and structure. ($19)

**** (88) Francis Coppola Diamond Series Black Label Claret 2004 (California). This dark, opaque purple/red wine opens with a light, creamy bouquet of oak vanillin notes over rich black fruit compote; the vanillin notes continue on the palate, offering a soft mouthfeel and pleasant black cherry flavors; moderately complex and quite nice. ($16)

**** (88) Tintara Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Australia). This Australian cabernet sauvignon from McLaren Vale offers typical varietal characteristics of black currants, blackberries, mint and leather; the fruit is lush and ripe; well-balanced tannins; a well-structured, excellent value wine. ($20)

**** (88) Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Importer's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Australia). Dark ruby, with an almost chalky bouquet that tells of cocoa powder sprinkled over a bowl of Bing cherries; medium- to full-bodied, it displays surprising richness, yet maintains excellent balance; its silky tannins provide delicious framework to the ripe fruit flavors.

**** (87) Peirano Estate Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Dark fruit aroma; taste of cherry, plum, mint; moderate finish; a good buy. ($13)

**** (87) Graham Beck Railroad Red Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (South Africa). Dark red, with oaky notes leading off the bouquet and mild black fruit aromas in the background, a nice, earthy touch peeks through as well; soft and round on the palate, the light acidity makes for a rich palate presence; red cherry and berry flavors prevail and a touch of a cassis lingers in the background.

**** (87) Bridgeview Vineyards Blue Moon Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Oregon). Dark ruby, with a dry bouquet that shows a touch of heat to the cherry and blackberry fruit aromas; has a nice, clean palate presence, with some rich cherry and raspberry flavor; not overly complex, but still quite pleasant. ($10)

**** (87) Happy Camper Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (California). This cabernet evokes memories of a simpler time when riding in the "way back" of the station wagon was a special treat; pleasing fruit-driven style, with an abundance of plum, cherry and currant, all the while staying lively and crisp; an easy-open screw cap. ($8)

**** (86) Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (California). Fruit is bright and uplifting; a nice structure and length of finish for the cost. ($10)

THREE STARS

*** (85) Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (California). Colorful (a bit risque, actually) label and colorful wine with red fruit and a balance of light toast and caramel; well made and pairs nicely with lighter meats and pizza. ($10)

*** (85) Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon (California). Lots of flavor for a moderately priced cab; medium-bodied and fruity. ($12)

*** (84) Bareback Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Southeastern Australia). Layered with toasty oak, red berry fruit and spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, this is just the right wine with sausage and peppers, chicken Savoy and lamb shank. ($11)

RATING SYSTEM

***** FIVE STARS (92-100)A top-flight vine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship.

**** FOUR SWAPS (86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back.

*** THREE STARS (80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy.

** TWO STARS (70-79) An average wine.

* ONE STAR (50-69) A below-average wine.

NATIONAL RETAILER WINE PANEL

ABC Fine Wines & Spirits

Orlando, FL

Brad Lewis, Director of Wine Sales

Andina Restaurant/Pearl Wine Shop

Portland, OR

Ken Collura

Director/Sommelier

Back Bay Restaurant Group

Boston, MA

David Alphonse

Beverage Director

Berbiglia Wine & Spirits

Kansas City, MO

Ralph J. Bondon

Vice President/Owner

Beverages & more!

Concord, CA

Wilfred Wong

E-Commerce Cellar Master

Bottle King Liquors

Livingston, NJ

Larry LaScola

Managing Partner/General Manager

Brown Derby Stores

Springfield, MO

John Riley

Retail Fine Wine Buyer

Carter House Inns/Restaurant 301

Eureka, CA

Thomas Burke

Sommelier

Centennial Fine Wine & Spirits

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

James Moll

Fine Wine Buyer

Crown Wine Merchant

Coral Gables, FL

Chip Cassidy

Wine Director

Dallas Central Market

Dallas, TX

George Howald

Wine Dept. Manager

El Monte Sagrado

Taos, NM

Ken Celtura

Head Sommelier

Expressions Restaurant & Wine Bar/Purple Sage Fine Wine Cellar

Hendersonville, NC

Kimberlee Young

Wine Director

Famous Wine & Spirits

Lombard, IL

Jeff Sukowski

Wine Manager

Flute

New York, NY

Herve Rousseau

Owner

Frugal MacDoogal's

Nashville, TN

Jack Mantle

Wine Dept.

Gary's Wine Marketplace

Madison/Livingston, NJ

Walter Kotrba

Wine Buyer

Happy Harry's Bottle Shop

Grand Forks, ND

Dustin Mitzel

General Manager

Haskell's

Minnetonka, MN

Daniel A. Manning

President

Highlands Wine & Cheese Shop

Highlands, NC

Scott Roddy

Owner/President

Hyatt Regency Reston

Bethseda, MD

Josh Haugh

Food & Beverage Dir.

Italian Village

Chicago, IL

Ron Baiter

Wine Director

Lisa's Liquor Barn

Penfield, NY

Kim DeNote

Manager/Wine Buyer

Liquor Barn

Louisville, KY

Michael Sorg

Wine Manager

The Liquor Store

Jackson Hole, WY

David Erickson

Manager

Liquorama Wine Cellar

Hyde Park, NY

Maggie Gephard

Vice President/General Manager

Pappas Restaurants

Houston, TX

David R. Smith

Beverage Director

Prime Wines & Spirits

Kenmore, NY

Rick McLeod

Wine Manager

Premium Wine & Spirits

Williamsville, NY

Dave Cleveland

General Manager

Prestige Wine & Spirits

Orchard Park, NY

Jeff Vignaux

General Manager

Ouik-Way Group

Dallas, TX

Wendie Waters

Dir. of Marketing & Purchasing/Wine

Red Sage

Washington, DC

Ralph Rosenberg

Sommelier

Red, White & Brew

Florence, NJ

Stacey Blacker

Buyer/Owner

Sam's Wine & Spirits

Chicago, IL

Mark Pucylowski

Domestic Wine Buyer

Shaw's Crab House

Chicago, IL

Steve Tindle

Wine & Spirits Director

Stew Leonard's Wines

Farmingdale, NY

Jerry Martellaro

Manager/Wine Buyer

Spencer's for Steaks and Chops

Salt Lake City, UT

Louis Koppel

Wine Host

Swingos on the Lake

Lakewood, OH

Matt Swingoe

Owner

Trig's Cellar 70

Minocqua, WI

Dennis J. Kohl

Beverage Consultant

Total Wine & More

Claymont, DE

Chris Mitchell

Category Manager

Trump Taj Mahal

Atlantic City, NJ

Richard R. Schneider

Director of Food and Beverage

21ST Amendment

Indianapolis, IN

Philip VanDeusen

Manager/Wine Consultant

Washington State

Liquor Control Board

Steve Burnell

Wine Program Manager

The Wine List

Hyannis, MA

Jackie Kantrowitz

General Manager/Co-owner

Yankee Wine

Newton, CT

Steve Small

General Manager