San Simeon 2010 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles); $25, 93 points. Elegant and attractive aromas of dark violet, red rose, cedar and a touch of vanilla serve as a promising entry point to this Cabernet. A bit of char kicks in on the palate alongside dark chocolate, espresso and ripe plum skin, with roasted beet in the background. Editors’ Choice. —Matt Kettman 

Cooper-Garrod 2009 Lone Oak Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains); $33, 92 points. Lightly toasted tobacco, blueberry pie and cedar scents lead the way on this single-vineyard Cab. Fresh blueberry on the palate combines with a great arc of flavors that ends in a chewed cigar finish. —Matt Kettman 

Gibbs 2010 Obsidian Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena); $36, 91 points. Attractively priced, this Cab—with 5% Petit Verdot—offers meaty bacon and smoky oak character around sizable tannins, black currant, black licorice and a finishing dust of mocha. —Virginie Boone

Midsummer Cellars 2011 Haystack Peak Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Atlas Peak); $40, 91 points. Smoky and meaty, this medium-bodied Cab from rocky Atlas Peak offers sensible acidity wrapped around spicy, dusty tannins and a savory aftertaste of tobacco. —Virginie Boone

Renteria 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley); $32, 91 points. This is a modestly priced Napa Cabernet that’s feral and brambly, the flavors well-composed and soft in black plum and black cherry. It’s well balanced and structured, with ample tannins and length on the finish. —Virginie Boone

Turchi 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Barbara County); $20, 91 points. Inebriating aromas of hearty tobacco, black earth, cassis and prune kick off another barrel-aged monster from Dave Corey. The cherry syrup and plum liqueur flavors remain bright with strong acidity as well as sturdy tannic structure, meaning this one will last until 2020 at least. Cellar Selection. —Matt Kettman

Brander 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Ynez Valley); $28, 90 points. A lush bouquet of cooked strawberries, black cherry sauce and just a touch of allspice kick off this fun, drink-me-now wine from Santa Ynez Valley pioneer Fred Brander. Good acidity and smooth tannins reminiscent of plum skin surround a fruity palate, which boasts a flavorful arc. —Matt Kettman 

Domaine Eden 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains); $35, 90 points. Distinct jalapeño aromas come alongside plum, boysenberry and star anise on this Cab from the team at historic Mount Eden. The green pepper fades to the background on the palate, where ripe plum and woody flavors meet with present but not overpowering tannins. —Matt Kettman 

The Divining Rod 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley); $18, 90 points. A project of Marc Mondavi, this wine is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded out by tiny percentages of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. Juicy in dark cherry and blackberry fruit, it is well composed, with a smoky undercurrent. Editors’ Choice. —Virginie Boone

Tolosa 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles); $24, 90 points. Cassis spritzer and pine tree-like herbals provide a promising start on the nose. It’s rich in the mouth, with cherry, blackberry and a nice edge of black pepper. —Matt Kettman