2002 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon

Winter’s here, time to hibernate at home and delve into some California Cabernet. My candidate is the 2002 Paradigm -- rich and sumptuous, with the taste of dark sweet berries and a live-wire acidity. As California Cabs go, this one is a lithe feminine expression of the grape with a smooth elegance that brings you back to the glass again and again.

Drink it with a great roast or standing prime rib, or a classic braised beef dish.

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Quick swirl

Region: Napa Valley.

Price: About $50

Style: Rich and elegant.

Food it goes with: Roasts, prime rib, braised beef dishes, roast goose.

Where you find it: Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463; John & Pete’s Fine Wines in West Hollywood, (310) 657-3080; Mission Wines in South Pasadena, (626) 403-9463; Twenty Twenty Wine in Los Angeles, (310) 447-2020; Wade’s Wines in Westlake Village, (818) 597 9463; Wally’s Wine & Spirits in Los Angeles, (310) 475-0606; Wine Country in Long Beach, (562) 597-8303; the Wine Connection in San Diego (877) 667-9463; Wine Hotel in Los Angeles, (323) 937-9463; and Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111.

-- S. Irene Virbila