The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is made from a completely different blend of 66% from the Frei Ranch, 13% from the Monte Rosso Vineyard and 21% from the Scherrer Vineyard. It is an extremely powerful, dense, rich cuvee with slightly higher alcohol than in 2007, and a thickness and unctuosity that eclipse the latter wine. Pure blueberry, blackberry, cassis, licorice and charred oak notes along with a full-bodied mouthfeel, a multilayered texture and a heady finish are all found in this 2008 Cabernet. The only problem with these Gallo estate Cabernet Sauvignons is that their production is relatively limited. The flagship winery in the Ernest and Julio Gallo empire, the Gallo Family Vineyards has produced a bevy of delicious reds and whites. While I know many readers remember Gallo from the old days of hearty Burgundy and Chablis blanc, they have long been committed to high quality, which is evident in not only these wines but others from their huge portfolio of wine estates.Tel. (707) 433-2458

The inexpensive 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma is another winner. Sweet berry fruit, elegant, soft tannins, an attractive spicy component, and a supple, round, generous finish are found in this cuvee. It should drink well for 5-6 years. This is an impressive group of wines from the gigantic Gallo Family Vineyards. Both shrewd readers looking for values as well as connoisseurs should check out these current and upcoming releases.Tel. (707) 433-2458

Another superb bargain is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma. Notions of cassis, bay leaf, licorice, and wood emerge from this dark ruby/purple-colored effort. On the palate, pure cassis and dusty, loamy soil characteristics are accompanied by admirable fruit, medium to full body, and a silky texture. All four of these wines are sensational bargains. Occasionally lost in the focus on the enormous size of the Gallo empire is how good many of their wines can be, not to mention a bevy of terrific values. The following cuvees are all sensational bargains. Pinot Noir is often over-priced because of the number of outrageously expensive red Burgundies in the marketplace. Hence, finding a good Pinot Noir for under $50, much less $20 is virtually impossible. Gallo has delivered what may be the finest bargain in Pinot Noir in the marketplace.Tel. (707) 433-2458

Tighter and in need of several years of bottle age is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Northern Sonoma. Since its debut vintage in 1990, this cuvee has proven to be a long-lived Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in 100% new French oak, the 2006 is a big, full-bodied, rich effort revealing rustic tannins as well as impressive density, richness, and potential. Cellar it for several years and drink it over the following 15 years. This is an impressive group of wines from the gigantic Gallo Family Vineyards. Both shrewd readers looking for values as well as connoisseurs should check out these current and upcoming releases.Tel. (707) 433-2458

The Cabernet Sauvignon program includes the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma, which is a good, solid Cabernet Sauvignon at a fair price. Deep ruby/garnet with notes of underbrush and gamey scents intermixed with black cherry, licorice, and smoke, it is a lovely, soft, and round wine to drink over the next 5-6 years. Tel. (707) 433-2458