2003 Meyer Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Finding a top-notch Napa Valley Cabernet for less than $50 is tough these days. Here’s one, though: the 2003 from Meyer Vineyard. It’s got intensity, deep fruit flavors of blackberry and cassis with ripe but firm tannins and a light touch of French oak. And like the big boys, this one is not filtered or fined. In short, a model Napa Valley Cabernet and pure pleasure.

Drink it now or wait awhile. And when you do, break out a standing rib roast, some beefy ribs or a prime steak. Keep it simple, and let the wine show its stuff.

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Quick swirl

Region: Napa Valley

Price: About $40

Style: Concentrated and rich

Food it goes with: Prime rib roast, beef ribs, prime steak

Where you find it: Amazing Grapes Wine Store in Rancho Santa Margarita, (888) 299-9463; Mission Wines in South Pasadena, (626) 403-9463; Twenty Twenty Wine Merchants in West Los Angeles, (310) 447-2020; Wade’s Wines in Westlake Village, (818) 597-9463; and Wally’s in West Los Angeles, (310) 475-0606. It is also available from the winery

in a three-bottle pack at www.hestan.com for $120.

-- S. Irene Virbila