STARMONT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018, 375 ML, North Coast, CA

Dark chocolate and blackberry really come through in this wine, and the half-bottle made it easy to enjoy a glass without opening a full one. It's smooth enough to sip on its own but has enough structure to hold up to a steak. I'll definitely grab another.

That three-county sourcing really shows in the complexity here—the cassis and blackberry flavors are beautifully balanced without being too jammy. Perfectly drinkable now but I bet it'll soften even more over another year or two.

This half-bottle is perfect for a dinner for two — the dark chocolate and cassis flavors really come through nicely. It's got that rich, balanced feel without being too heavy for a weeknight. Pairs wonderfully with a simple steak.