Fans of California Cabernet Sauvignon have very few options when it comes to affordability. Vineyards in the heart of the Napa Valley are now selling for anywhere from one to five million dollars per acre, and that (along with oak barrels and many other factors) translates into a pretty pricey category.
Navigator winemaker Trevor Sheehan sources his grapes from a multitude of California vineyards, and by making his wines in a custom crush facility, he avoids the overhead that pushes most Napa prices through the roof.
Stylistically this is unmistakably California, with dark fruit, mocha, and spice notes, although it never comes across as heavy in any way. At $18 I think it's basically impossible to find a better value in California Cabs.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Serve cool.