When asked about their drinking habits, sophisticated grape nuts love to say, "ABC" meaning Anything But Chardonnay or Cabernet. The implication is that California, land of all-things hip, ultra-modern, larger-than-life, and cutting edge, no longer seems all that influential, at least in the wine world. What's going on out there? As it turns out, the best Chardonnay and Cabernet made in pockets of Napa, Sonoma, and other regions of California are still, and always will be some of the world's best wine, dollar for dollar and otherwise. If your wine-drinking heart has a "C" running through it, this is the tasting for you. Both novice wine drinkers and more sophisticated palates will find plenty to enjoy in this tasting of California's best wines. Rick Lopus is Vice President of Sales for the Viviano Wine Importers division of Great Lakes Wine & Spirits. More than 30 years in the food & beverage industry, his service has included terms as wine buyer for the Merchant of Vino, long the pre-eminent wine retailer in Michigan , founder of Decanter Imports one of the top fine wine distributors in the country, and regional manager of Chateau Ste Michelle Wine Estates.