We say it every year, but Cabernet Sauvignon is truly the prime poobah among all California wines, displaying, at their best, a richness and complexity that clearly set it apart from other Golden State rivals. As proof, we offer the following 24 standouts. Note: We list The Best of The Best wines followed by their tasting notes.

Chuck Wagner and his mother Lorna, one of the founders of Caymus

2008 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (Napa Valley), $130.
Rich, ripe, pure, silky, voluptuous, blackberry, spice and vanilla flavors.

Darms Lane Owner Larry Bump, and Winemaker Brian Mox

2007 Darms Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Bon Passe Vineyard (Napa Valley), $60.
Rich, lush, velvety, black fruit, mocha and nutty oak flavors.

2007 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), $80.
Deep, rich, round, well-concentrated, coffee, plum and roasted nut flavors.

2007 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley), $27.
Lush, velvety, elegantly wound, black fruit and dark chocolate flavors. BEST VALUE

2006 Ferrari-Carano PreVail Cabernet Sauvignon Back Forty (Alexander Valley), $85.
Big, deep, rich, resounding, black fruit and coffee flavors — powerful stuff.

Left: Kathryn HALL President and Winemaker Mike Reynolds; Right: Kathryn HALL Winemaker Steve Leveque

2008 HALL Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District (Napa Valley), $110.
Big, deep, rich, well-concentrated, black fruit and spicy oak vanillin flavors.

2007 HALL Cabernet Sauvignon Sagassia Vineyard (Mt. Veeder/Napa Valley), $150.
Big, rich, fat, succulent, elegantly knit, black fruit and mocha flavors.

2008 Kathryn HALL Cabernet Sauvignon Sacrashé Vineyard (Napa Valley), $90.
Big, walloping, earthy, ultra-rich, utterly riveting, black fruit and nutty oak flavors. BEST OF SHOW

2007 Monticello Cabernet Sauvignon Tietjen Vineyard (Rutherford/Napa Valley), $65.
Big, rich, round, lush, palate-coating, black fruit and mocha flavors — delicious!

2007 William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Bench Blend (Napa Valley), $50.
Rich, ripe, pure, lush, well-concentrated, coffee, plum and roasted nut flavors.

2008 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley), $27.
Pure, svelte, elegant, well-knit, black fruit, chocolate and oak vanillin flavors.

2008 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), $68.
Big, rich, spicy, well-oaked, black fruit and cocoa flavors.

2006 Francis Ford Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon Archimedes (Sonoma County), $50.
Big, juicy, mouthfilling, black fruit and nutty oak flavors.

2007 Corley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), $72.
Well-knit, lushly textured, black fruit, mocha and nutty oak flavors.

2007 Corley Cabernet Sauvignon State Lane Vineyard (Yountville/Napa Valley), $65.
Big, plump, well-balanced, black fruit, coffee and roasted nut flavors.

2007 Dominus Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), $130.
Deep, nutty, elegantly knit, black fruit and French roast flavors.

2006 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), $85.
Big, rich, juicy, utterly delicious, black fruit and mocha flavors.

2006 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Selection (Napa Valley), $135.
Big, deep, earthy, well-structured, black fruit and dark chocolate flavors.

2007 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville/Napa Valley), $55.
Big, chewy, somewhat smoky, black fruit and French roast flavors.

2008 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Jack’s Masterpiece (Napa Valley), $100.
Plush, velvety, well-knit, black fruit and mocha flavors.

2005 Heller Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Carmel Valley), $25. Deep, taut, well-focused, black fruit and French roast flavors.

2006 Kenwood Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon La Boheme (Sonoma County), $75.
Pure, ripe, well-knit, black fruit and spicy oak vanillin flavors.

2007 Napanook Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), $40.
Big, rich, plump, juicy, round, black fruit and mocha flavors.

2007 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), $43.
Rich, round, lush, medium-weight, black fruit and nutty oak vanillin flavors.