Thick skins and small berries give Cabernet Sauvignon its color, tannin and capacity to age. Cassis and dark plum over oak-derived vanilla and toast, finishing dry and long. Paso Robles has become California's most convincing alternative to Napa for Cabernet, helped by limestone soils and dramatic day-to-night temperature swings. Bottled under the Big label. Decant if you can; young Cabernet almost always improves with air. Good with grilled meats, mushroom dishes, and firm cheeses.