2001 Sausal Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

$21

This was quite a surprise. I need to buy some more and compare to the 2000 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon. This one probably is much better, and it is in the same price range.

Very nice color, the oak comes through nicely in the aroma. There is a bit of vanilla there too. In the mouth, there is a nice cigar-box flavor behind the black fruit. This is a well-balanced wine with a nice even finish.

I had this with grilled wild salmon. A surprisingly good combination.