Top 16 California Cabs

[Randy Caparoso]

Folks, on the Chardonnay thread I'm soliciting help for the Top 10 CA Chards and Chard dishes. Today The Honolulu Advertiser came out with my list of the Top 16 California Cabernet Sauvignon (including Cab dominated blends) today. I only do this list about once every five years. My list -- influenced by other writers and publications, but also personal (since it's for a general readership, I try to balance personal with consensus) -- in order of quality:

1. Ridge Monte Bello
2. Robert Mondavi Reserve
3. Caymus Special Selection
4. Beringer Private Reserve
5. Spottswoode
6. Opus One
7. Joseph Phelps Insignia
8. Niebaum-Coppola Rubicon
9. Shafer Hillside Select
10. Laurel Glen Sonoma Mt.
11. Kenwood Artist
12. Araujo-Eisele
13. B.V. Private Reserve
14. Viader
15. Silver Oak Alexander Valley
16. Dalla Valle