2006 vintage guide for California Cabernet Sauvignon

keep

Looks to be a strong, good – if not great – vintage; wines are charming and up-front.

3/5

Weather Conditions

A late starting, late finishing season. An unusually cool and wet spring, followed by a warm summer and more moisture, resulted in minor mildew problems in some areas, while a drop in temperature mid-August allowed the cabernet sauvignon grapes a bit more time to ripen. Cabernet sauvignon accounted for well over 20% of the red grape crop, and about 15% of the total.

Best Appellations

Napa, Sonoma County, Mendocino, Paso Robles

Best Producers

Justin Vineyards (Paso Robles), Rudd Winery; Gallo Family Vineyards (Sonoma County0, Fess Parker (Santa Barbara).