Cef Zambrano reflects on California and Napa cabernets.  Read his thoughts below.

Have you ever been to Napa or Sonoma?  It is a very special place.  The vineyards, the wine and the people make it a great destination.  I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the wine regions in Europe, and although they are very nice, it’s just not quite the same. We, as Americans, have found a way to turn the wine country into a Disneyland for adults.

Over the last thirty years northern California has now become regarded as one of the premier wine regions in the world.  The wines coming out of this beautiful vinicultural region are wonderful. The ripe, full and lush Cabernet Sauvignons are becoming favorites throughout the world.  I look forward to every spring of the release of the new vintage.

I’ve had the pleasure of tasting Northern California wines since the ’92 vintage.  In those two decades, California has had many great years.  I recall the ‘94s and the ‘97s as rich and powerful. The 2001s and the 2004s were very good as well, but uniquely different.  However, upon tasting the first 2007s released, I knew that we had something special.

I try to taste as many of the current vintage wines as possible, and wine after wine proves to me that this is the best vintage that I have tasted out of California. But I don’t stand alone in this opinion! Wine Spectator says, “Napa Valley Cabernet lovers won’t want to miss 2007. With a near-perfect growing season, this is … one of the best vintages ever.”

So next time you’re at your favorite wine shop, look for the 2007 reds from Northern California. You won’t be disappointed.