High-QPR Cabernet Sauvignons

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the prime grapes in France, California, other parts of the U.S., and other countries like Chile and Australia.  Unfortunately, the price tag for good Cabernets is usually high.  Here are seven Cabernets with high quality-to-price ratios IMO:

2007 Louis Martini Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99) - Robert Parker gives this wine 90 points:  "An exquisite value, this is a seductive, fleshy, fruity with excellent texture, body and balance.  Lots of cassis as well as silky tannins characterize this top bargain pick!  Drink it over the next 5-7 years."

2007 Columbia Crest "H3" Horse Heaven Hills Washington Cabernet Sauvignon ($10.99) - Wine Spectator gives it 90 points:  "Polished and silky in texture, with ripe blackberry, currant and mint flavors that keep sailing through the long, expressive finish.  The tannins are beautifully integrated."  The "H3"is a fruit-forward and approachable style of Cabernet.

2007 Avalon Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99) - From K&L, "This wine exhibits aromas of raspberry, blackberry, mint and black cherries.  Vanilla and short bread cookie notes from oak aging bring balance and frame the ripe berry flavors.  The tannins are fine and chalky, and there is also a mineral/earthy note that contributes to the multi-layer characteristics.  A classic Napa Cab and at a ridiculously fair price!"

2007 Dominio del Plata "Crios de Susana Balbo" Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza, Argentina ($12.99) - From Wine Spectator, "Ripe and polished, with good cherry and currant fruit backed by sweet spice and toast notes."  From Robert Parker, "The Cabernet Sauvignon reveals an expressive perfume of cedar, spice box, black currant, and black raspberry.  This is followed by a wine with lots of savory black fruit, excellent balance, and a long, fruit-filled finish."

2007 Odjfell Armador Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley, Chile ($11.99) - Wine Enthusiast gives this Chilean wine 90 points:  "A top-notch value Cabernet with no flaws.  The fruit on the nose is pretty and stylish but doesn'r force the issue, while the palate is juicy and fresh with flavors of cola, cassis, and wild berry.  Not a complicated wine, but one that pushes all the right buttons.  Ripe and friendly to the last drop."

2006 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon, Founders Estate ($11-12) - From Robert Parker:  "Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Beringer's strengths; this is medium to full-bodied, with a seductive, round, silky texture."

2007 Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($12-14) - From Robert Parker:  "Chateau St. Jean is an excellent source for value-priced, high-quality wines.  They are often considered primarily a white wine-producing estate because of the brilliant quality of their Fume Blancs and Chardonnays, but they also fashion very fine Cabernet Sauvignons as well as an excellent Bordeaux blend called Cinq Cepages."

Try all seven wines.  For $11-12 a bottle (or less if you can find them on sale),  you can't really go wrong.  See if you like one or more of these wines and if it rates a high QPR in your opinion -- according to your own taste and wine budget.  You only need to find one Cabernet that you really like.  A solid Cabernet for $11-12 a bottle is a steal in my book.