California is one of the largest wine producing regions of the United States having more than 1,200 wineries and 107 different American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The state produces nearly 30 percent more wine than the entire country of Australia and 90 percent of all wine produced in the USA. If California were a separate nation, it would rank No. 4 worldwide in terms of overall wine production. Cabernet Sauvignon is the signature grape of California. We will sample:

Dancing Crow Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, North Coast — Dancing Crow is a family-owned and operated winery with a shared winemaking legacy spanning four generations. They specialize in sustainably grown, French-style wines. The unique combination of volcanic soil, high-elevation vineyards, and mountain-grown fruit allows the making of a more delicate alternative to the traditionally bolder Napa Valley wines. A bold yet refined structure, with a hint of red fruit brightness. This wine consists of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon co-fermented with 24% Merlot to develop complexity. Picking was a combination of nighttime hand and machine harvesting, to retain freshness, while utilizing a relatively cool fermentation to boost the fruit and floral traits. The addition of Big Valley AVA Merlot imparts a softening freshness to balance out the density and tannins of the Cabernet. 14% ABV. $28.99/9.50

Valravn Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Sonoma — While Sonoma County is acclaimed—and rightfully so—for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, it also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. This 100% Cab is a balance of savory and sweet, which is immediately apparent in the espresso roast and savory herb components layered on top of rich blackberry, marionberry and cassis fruit. This taut and well-balanced wine offers focused aromas and flavors of black cherries, raspberries, cinnamon and toast. Supple tannin structure with high tones, opulent fruit, and a long finish with good acidity. Tempting now for its layers of fruit and oak spice, but ageable for the next decade. 14% ABV. $28.99/9.50

Obsidian Ridge Volcanic Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Lake County — Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 3% Petite Sirah, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah. Estate Cabernet is the signature wine of Obsidian Ridge Vineyard. The Vineyard sits on a volcanic flow at the northern tip of the Mayacamas Range. Obsidian wines are the only Cabernet Sauvignons in California (perhaps the world) aged in 100% Hungarian oak barrels. The barrels are the same oak species used in France, however the trees grow more slowly due to the volcanic soils, resulting in 30% higher density of the wood. The resulting tight-grain barrels are low in vanilla and high in eugenol, which tends to emphasize herbal and spice components. The wine is a dense, opulent deep purple with aromas of unripe blackberry, blueberry, olallieberry, fresh bay leaf, vanilla scented potpourri on the nose. The mid-palate is black olive, green olive, rosemary, orange zest, transmitting into ripe black fruit, dried tobacco leaves and salted truffle chocolate. 14.3% ABV. $46.99/15, regularly $53.99/$18