Striking Cabernet Sauvignon power, complexity, and finesse is a combination that costs a pretty penny in the Napa Valley. Legendary winemaker Ed Sbragia makes some of the best non-Napa Cabernet in California with grapes grown on small vineyards in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. The 2011 “Andolsen Vineyard” is remarkable for depth and complexity that we expect out of that other Valley.

Classic Cabernet character abounds with dark fruits, cedar spice, licorice nuances, and warm dusty hillside scents. It drinks quite well in its youth, although a swirl or three around the decanter is beneficial to unlocking the extra layers that lurk inside. Ed Sbragia’s winemaking style, consistent from his many years at Beringer, is full power, but with balance and elegance. The kind of Cab that’s sure to please hardcore fans of the grape, and anyone else who likes red wine at dinner.

It’s tough finding this complexity in Cab at this low price.