A few miles inland from the foggy Monterey coast, the sun-drenched Cachauga area of Carmel Valley provides just enough heat for carefully tended Cabernet vines to bear ripe fruit. The Heller Estate has maintained their organically farmed vineyards for over two decades, crafting graceful, balanced Cabernets in contrast to the big bruisers of Napa Valley. This is easily one of the best domestic organic Cabernets we've tasted. Bright cassis and sweet herb aromas and flavors are bolstered by chewy tannins and a lip-smacking finish that works just as well with mellow roasts and hearty chops as it does with rosemary-grilled salmon steaks.