1997 Silverado Cellars Red Table Wine, Napa Valley

This second label of Chateau Montelena shows its pedigree at the first sip. A smooth, lush Cabernet-based red, the 1997 Silverado Cellars Red Table Wine is one of the best under-$15 California Cabernets I’ve ever tasted. It’s a great wine to take to a dinner party: Nobody will ever guess its relatively modest price. California needs more of these beautifully tailored wines.

About $14. Available at fine wine retailers.