North vs South

Two cabs, both young, one is in a snazzy dressup and the other quite boring. Which would you go for? Well, the aptly named "screw kappa napa" NAPA valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 was better than I thought it would be. Typical cab s. nose and flavours, it is a medium bodied everyday drinker, not too complex. I give it an "ok", nothing wrong with it. For value, it is just about right for a ho-hum NAPA cab at about $17 (this just goes to show how pricey these wines have become).
The traditonally presented Perez Cruz, Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 is a hot little number. Also a typical cab s. but with more going on than the s/k/n. A little earthiness with the fruit. No sign of new oaky vanillins, the moderate tannins are all from the grapes. A good wine, better value than the s/k/n at $16.
By the way, whats going on with all these high alcohol wines? These both clock in at 14.5%, I don't think I've had a wine under 13.5% for months....some are whacking me with 15.5%!

Cheers!!