The wine world is vast and seems to be ever expanding - new regions, new varietals and even old varietals rediscovered. Wines aged in oak barrels or with NO OAK whatsoever, and sometimes with just a little oak.

All of these things have merit and are fun to discover and think & drink about. Some are passing fads (Aussie critter labels) and some may be here to stay (Argentinian Malbecs, I hope).

But no matter how far away I stray (Slovenian Pinot Noir? Oh yeah!), there is one wine I come back to over and over again: Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab Sauv is the king of the wine world and for many reasons. It can grow almost anywhere. And while certain places do it better than most (Napa Valley and Bordeaux), it is still very good in other places (NY State? Sure!). 

I'm glad people and places are challenging the King. Drinking and thinking about wine would be boring without pioneers in places and with grapes. But I drank a Cabernet this week, last week, and I bet I'll drink one next week too. 

Be careful out there. There are plenty of Cabernets that aren't special, but there are so many that are special.

Here is one of my favorites: 2007 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon - priced at $22.99 and 91 points RP. I like this one because it's just California Cab, and it's great - not good, great!