Very interested newbie has many questions!!

[godzilabob]

Hi there and thanks in advance.
Direct and to the point...
1. Are the "ratings" given by different groups or periodicals (WS, W&S, WE etc etc) "blind" ratings?
2. With these ratings...I notice sometimes a $9 bottle of Cab has the same "point" as a $79 bottle...theoretically are these two on the same level???
3. I have a group of clients who enjoy wine. Does anyone have a suggestion on some Cab which I can purchase for Xdollars and "lay down" for 5 years or so and have it be a "Better" present?
I usually give $30 bottles each year...if i could purchase something for around that price right now...store it and give it as a "more expensive" present in 5 or so years...what would be a good wine to do such a thing???
4. Are second labels really the grapes that didn't make the first label "cut"????
thanks!!!!