Local wines made with the three most noble red varieties of Bordeaux - Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot - share the limelight in April and once again demonstrate that, here in the hospitable climes of California, they perform as well as they do on any stage in the world.

The big story in West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon these days is the influx of wines from the much-heralded 2018 vintage, and, if they are indeed exciting, it is best not to forget just how good those from 2016 and 2017 can be as a noteworthy contingent of late-released new arrivals so capably attests.

Though Cabernet Franc is not about to displace its close cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon, as the state's most revered red variety, it is increasingly proving its mettle in making seriously good wines with each passing vintage.

As long-time admirers of well-made Merlot, we are heartened to see that it appears to have shaken off its largely unwarranted slip in popularity during the first decade of the new millennium. Fashion comes and fashion goes, but quality is timeless as is convincingly proven by many in this latest collection.

Superb, yet very affordable offerings of Syrah and Grenache get a look in this edition of not-to-be-missed wines long on value, and, in advance of next month's issue which features a bevy of new Chardonnays, a handful of recent, favorites that are easy on the pocketbook earn reprise recommendation.