Chateau Souverain 1998 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wines & Vines, Feb, 2003

We all loved the Chateau Souverain 1998 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($20), what with its peppery bouquet, deep color and "very cherry" flavors, but we went even nuttier for the '97 Alexander Valley Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($35). Even though it was 90[degrees]F outside when we tasted it back in October, the wine's opaque, blackberry color, silky mouthfeel and elegance invited us all to sit down in front of a fireplace with a succulent prime rib dinner while wearing our dark, red velvet gowns--men included.

In more comprehensible terms, it's a real winner, and worth the 35 smackers.