One of the better California vintages in recent memory, 2001, was a phenomenal year for Cabernet Sauvignons. Many of them are no longer available. Don't delay trying these fantastic wines, because quantities are limited!

2001 Barnett Vineyards Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (Net) $43.97
Typical of the vintage, this muscular powerhouse has intense, earthy aromas of figs, pencil shavings, and plum. The fruit is still a bit tightly wound, even at this late date, but a nice touch of black licorice and minerals appear at mid-palate. The finish is long and hedonistic. This wine will definitely stand the test of time. Additional cellaring will help it open and drink well for 15 or more years. A great match with a thick steak and potato meal!

2001 Hess Collection Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (Net) $33.97
One of the most underrated wines of this vintage, in our humble opinion. Sassy and bold, with aromas of smoke, blackberry, and currant, this wine is quite intense and concentrated, full and rich, with notes of cedar and blueberry dancing together on the palate, and a long, velvety finish. A true drink-now wine from this vintage, as it is hitting its peak. But rest assured, it will continue to be a winner for the next few years.

2001 Iron Horse Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $31.99
"A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon…boasts a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a big, spicy, menthol, cherry, and black currant-scented bouquet. Elegant yet authoritatively flavored, with wonderful purity, well-integrated wood, and a rich, concentrated, textured finish, this delicate, restrained yet powerful Cabernet will drink well for 10-16 years." —WA 90.

2001 Juslyn Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon $77.99
This luxury Cab "offers an attractive but restrained bouquet of crème de cassis, licorice, crushed rocks, subtle oak, and background cherry scents. A superb, elegant example of what can be achieved in California, it possesses a Bordeaux-like personality superimposed upon the wonderful ripeness and purity of Napa Valley mountainside fruit. This beautifully made, structured Cabernet will benefit from 2-4 more years of bottle age." —WA 92

2001 Larkmead Napa Cabernet Sauvignon $39.99
A very consistently well-made Cab, the '01 Larkmead "offers up aromas of blueberries, cassis, licorice, and smoky wood. Medium to full-bodied, with excellent purity, an opulent mid-palate, and a long, persistent, moderately tannic finish…" —WA 90.

2001 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon $48.99
An enigma of sorts, the Paradigm is a medium-bodied wine, but with a lot going on. It is loaded with black cherry and smoke, spices and licorice, currants and green herbs. The finish is elegant rather than overpowering. A great wine to have with a skirt steak or pork tenderloin.

2001 Joseph Phelps Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (Net) $32.47
This is a benchmark of Cabernet Sauvignon in the price range, and it never disappoints. With "very ripe aromas of cassis, licorice, espresso and cedary, nutty oak…Sweet, concentrated and pliant, with very good breadth and depth of flavor for this…Finishes with suave, building tannins and noteworthy persistence." —IWC 90

2001 Pine Ridge Napa Valley, Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon (Net) $52.97
A monster Cab of decadent proportions, the 2001 Pine Ridge Cab from the Stag's Leap District of Napa Valley is "gorgeous, with dark, ruby/purple(color)….offers scents of new oak, flowers, black and red fruits in a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, well-balanced style. Anticipated maturity: now-2018." —WA 93.

2001 Provenance Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon $29.99
One of the more consistent Cabs from the Rutherford sub-region of Napa Valley and a sumptuous value. It is bright and ruby colored, with aromas of bacon fat, tobacco, cherry and chocolate. The smoldering aromas set the groundwork for a thick, layered wine with mocha-liqueur sweetness, earthy black pepper spice, big tannins and a sweeping finish. A great Cab that will drink well now and for another decade plus.