In an enhancement that makes one of Louisville's most attractive restaurants even more appealing, 610 Magnolia's new owner Edward Lee has renovated and opened to the public a balcony area that forms a small, intimate nook above the restaurant's main dining room.

Modest in decor, with the walls painted cool gray with dark wood trim, and a newly built skylight overhead, the space had been used for storage in the past. It is just large enough for a half-dozen tables, and may be used for private groups and special events, Lee said. Last week (Jan. 21) it was the scene of a by-invitation wine tasting, a program that may become a regular event at 610.

The tasting featured a selection of seven Cabernet Sauvignons from around the world, served with a seemingly unending stream of innovative appetizers from Lee's kitchen. Here's a summary of my casual tasting notes on the wines and the appetizers, more or less in the order I sampled them.

The wines

Conn Creek 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - This offers a benchmark example of the Northern California style, perfumed dark cherry fruit with hints of chocolate and vanilla. Lean and tannic, with good fruit backed by sturdy acidity, it finishes with a distinct note of fresh dill, a flavor character that oak barrels impart. Reminds me somewhat of the popular Silver Oak.

Haras 2000 "Character" Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - This is a Chilean Cabernet, full of fresh cherry aromas and flavors and structured with lemon-squirt acidity. On the lightweight side, but an intriguing minerality adds flavor interest. Importer: Remy Amerique, NYC.

Golan Heights Winery 2000 "Galil" Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon - Made in Israel and fully kosher, this dry table wine breaks the stereotype of grapey, sweet American kosher wines, but it's hardly an impressive Cabernet. Faint in aroma and herbaceous in flavor, it's simple and soft, easy to gulp but essentially one-dimensional. Importer: Royal Wine Corp., NYC.

Wakefield 2001 Clare Valley South Australia Cabernet Sauvignon - Light and fresh, more delicate than muscular, a profile unexpected in a South Australian red, but it works, and sings a particularly pretty melody with a minty Middle Eastern-style lamb appetizer rolled in flatbread. Importer: Appellation Imports Inc., Columbia, Md.

Vinum 2001 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon - Appetizingly earthy blackcurrant scents lead into a big, ripe flavor, black fruit and licorice. So fruity it almost seems soft at first, but there's muscle beneath the fat. Good wine. Importer: Vinnovative Imports, Charlotte, N.C.

Torres 1999 "Gran Coronas" Penedès Cabernet Sauvignon - Ripe cherries and leather on the nose, soft, subtle dark-cherry fruit and soft tannins on the palate; a distinct floral note of roses develops with time in the glass. Good wine, probably will gain complexity with cellar time. Fifteen percent Tempranillo blended in with the Cabernet. Importer: Paterno Wines International, Lake Bluff, Ill.

Haut-Bages-Liberal 1995 Pauillac - I saved the sole Bordeaux, and the oldest wine, for last, and was glad I did as it made a fine ending to an interesting array of wines. Cassis (blackcurrant) and aromatic tarragon in the scent. Lean and a bit austere but well-balanced flavor, still showing substantial, but smooth, tannins. Very long and clean finish, still a youngster, particularly enjoyable with red-meat companions to tame the tannins, but will benefit from cellar time. Importer: Louisville Crown, Kentucky.

The appetizers