Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Wine: Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Grapes: Cabernet sauvignon (92 percent), cabernet franc (5 percent), merlot (2 percent)

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Calif.

Vintage: 2003

Price: $19.99

In the glass: Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a fairly deep ruby-red in color with a semi-opaque appearance, going out into a light pinkish-red rim definition and surprisingly high viscosity.

On the nose: There is excellent red and black berry fruit at first, then crushed black currants, loganberry juice, vanilla, oak references and raspberry jam, with just a hint of underlying mineral character and a nicely layered and somewhat complex undertone.

On the palate: It is a lovely, rounded blast of berry fruit with dominance by raspberries, cassis and boysenberries; a very fine structure in the wine goes into a soft, lush fruity midpalate with lots of mixed berries, then fruit-driven minerals and currant bush hints. The finish is wonderfully supple with no obtrusive tannins and a nice lingering black currant and licorice root finale.

Odds and ends: Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is made by a highly respected team at a well-regarded winery in one of the best areas of Sonoma County. Small production, classic Bordeaux-style claret in the bottle, that is advertised and sold at the winery for about $39, this is found for less than half here. While we always strive to find great value for less than $10, this is a great value in its own right, being able to compete with wines at the $50 to $60 level. It is a well-made wine in a beautifully packaged and stylish bottle. This wine should drink well through 2012-plus, and needs to be opened about one hour before consumption. Try it with a rotisserie chicken and roasted potatoes.

Gil-Lempert Schwarz's wine column appears Wednesdays. Write him at P.O. Box 50749, Henderson, NV 89106-0749, or e-mail him at gil@winevegas.com.