Cabernet Sauvignon, often called the King of Red Wines, is known for its deep color and complex flavors that evolve over time. Whether you're prioritizing boldness, a smooth finish, or price point (sometimes you just need a drink now sipper for that reality show binge) this list will help you find the right Cabernet Sauvignon for you. And P.S., all of the wines mentioned below are available for purchase online directly through YourWineStore.
Cabernet Sauvignon Quick Facts
- Origin: Cabernet Sauvignon originated in Bordeaux, France, and is now grown in wine regions around the world.
- Flavor Profile: It typically features bold flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, with notes of cedar, tobacco, and sometimes green bell pepper.
- Body and Texture: Cabernet Sauvignon is generally full-bodied with a robust and structured mouthfeel.
- Acidity: It usually has medium to high acidity, which helps balance its rich flavors and enhances its aging potential.
- Aging Potential: Cabernet Sauvignon has excellent aging potential, often improving with several years in the bottle, especially when aged in oak.
- Pairing Versatility: It pairs excellently with hearty dishes such as grilled steak, lamb, barbecued meats, and aged cheeses.
- Popular Regions: Prominent regions include Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (California), and Coonawarra (Australia).
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $20
Who needs a splurge when you’ve got these under $20 Cabs? They’re the perfect blend of value and quality, making weekday dinners feel like a gourmet experience. Plus, they truly stand out as some of the best budget Cabernet Sauvignons you can find!
1. Carmel Road | Monterey Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Rich with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, and hints of vanilla bean.
Food pairings: Pair with Italian dishes like ravioli and meat based red sauce pastas as well as sausage.
Why we chose it for the list: This incredibly easy-to-enjoy, fruit-forward sipper is a great representation of the Monterey AVA. It’s lightweight profile and controlled tannins makes it a crowd pleaser that both non-wine drinkers and Cabernet loyalists can get behind.
2. Murphy-Goode | California Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Look forward to a red wine full of aromas and flavors of black cherry with just a hint of black licorice. The finish will add notes of chocolate, vanilla, and just a touch of toast.
Food pairings: Pair with charbroiled burgers or your favorite steak fresh off of the grill.
Why we chose it for the list: This rich and velvety Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the essence of Sonoma County. Its luscious blackberry notes and smooth, approachable tannins make it a delightful choice for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $30
Yes, you can have your Cab and drink it too! These under $30 bottles are like your favorite thrift-store finds–high-quality at a steal. They’re perfect for casual evenings or simply making your Tuesday night feel like a Friday, proving that you can enjoy the best affordable Cabernet Sauvignon without compromising on taste.
3. Kendall-Jackson | Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Round tannins provide a robust structure and a supple mid-palate, with notes of cedar, vanilla, and mocha that lingers on the finish.
Food pairings: Pair with beef short ribs, lamb sliders and impossible burger.
Why we chose it for the list: This versatile wine is the perfect plus-one for any meal, effortlessly complementing the richness of gourmet mac 'n' cheese or a sumptuous steak dinner. With its smooth and velvety texture, it’s a luxury you can enjoy every day.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $50
These under $50 Cabs offer the perfect balance of quality and value, making them the go-to choice for when you want a rich, satisfying wine without overspending.
4. Arrowood | Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
What it taste like: Flavors of black cherry, leather, and slate with notes of cocoa and spice.
Food pairings: Pair with lamb chops, beef stew, sausages and hard aged cheeses.
Why we chose it for the list: With a portfolio dedicated to single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, it's clear Arrowood has a passion for this varietal. This wine comes from Sonoma County, which may be less recognized for its Cabernet Sauvignon compared to Napa, but it’s equally exceptional! Consider it the indie label of Cabernet Sauvignon AVA's that you won't be able to resist once you give it a try.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $100
For the traditionalists who crave a classic, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with bold tannins and rich dark fruit flavors, these classics are sure to please. These wines are crafted from premium vineyards and aged for an authentic taste that perfectly showcases the varietal's distinctive character.
5. Stonestreet Estate Vineyards | Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Blackcurrant, cedar, and eucalyptus with a regal structure and enticing dark chocolate and tobacco finish.
Food pairings: Pair with grilled Steak with roasted potatoes, braised pork ragu and roast chicken and mushrooms.
Why we chose it for the list: This Estate Cabernet showcases the exceptional fruit of Alexander Valley. The talented winemakers crafted a wine as elegant and refined as a black-tie affair. It will dazzle any wine aficionado.
6. Freemark Abbey | Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Dark berry fruit, cocoa, and Herbs de Provence. Its full body with supple tannins ensures a soft entry with a gradual development of dark cherry flavors throughout.
Food pairings: Pair with beef tenderloin grilled with Herbs de Provence, braised short ribs.
Why we chose it for the list: Full disclosure, you can't go wrong with any Freemark Abbey Cabernet. They've been a part of the Napa winemaking scene before Napa became a household name. We selected this bottle specifically because both newcomers and connoisseurs can appreciate its profile without paying a high price tag.
7. Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard | Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon | McLaren Vale, Australia
What it taste like: Ripe blueberry, blackberries, and a touch of fresh herb. The palate adds notes of bittersweet chocolate and minerality that leads to a prolonged finish.
Food pairings: Pair with braised beef and beef short ribs and steak.
Why we chose it for the list: The northern hemisphere isn't the only half of the world that knows how to produce an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. To showcase their exceptional winemaking, we picked the debut vintage of Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon from the Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard. With a focus on biodynamic farming and limited yields, this Australian Cabernet reflects dedication and vision, delivering an experience everyone can enjoy.
Splurge-Worthy Cabernets Under $200
These top rated Cabernet Sauvignons may have a higher price tag, but it's for a good reason! They aren't just wines but an experience. Each producer takes their role very seriously in highlighting the vineyards but also creating a memorable wine for you to sip, savor, and look back onto fondly.
8. Mt. Brave | Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, Ca
What it tastes like: Blue fruits, toast, and dark cherry on the palate. Minerality and weight lead to a wonderfully textured finish.
Food pairings: Pair with grilled ribeye, rack of lamb and osso bucco.
Why we chose it for the list: A wine as adventuresome as a climb up Mount Everest, with bold flavors daring you to take another sip (spoiler alert: it’s a dare you’ll want to accept). It's got altitude (literally, Mt. Veeder is sky-high) and attitude (those tannins don't mess around). It’s a wine worth bragging about!
9. Anakota | Helena Dakota Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, CA
What it taste like: Plum, anise, cassis, leather, bay leaf, and cedar, galvanized by a streak of minerals and bold tannins for an adrenalizing experience.
Food pairings: Pair with rich foods such as steak, venison, short ribs and lamb chops.
Why we chose it for the list: The Helena Dakota vineyard in Napa Valley has a rich history, crafting wines with oodles of character. Anakota's Cabernet is the epitome of finesse and flavor, leaving your taste buds begging for an encore.
10. La Jota | Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, CA
What it tastes like: Dark fruit flavors, including blackberry, plum, and cassis, this Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is interlaced with hints of dark chocolate, coffee beans, and a smoky minerality.
Food pairings: Pairs with New York strip steak, lamb stew and osso bucco.
Why we chose it for the list: La Jota started making Howell Mountain wines well before the 18th amendment, and clearly not even that could stop them from making gorgeous, small-lot mountain fruit Cabernets. This wine has an intensity and structure that pays tribute to volcanic soils and high-elevation climate of Napa’s Howell Mountain. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves Cabernet or loves exploring small-lot producers.
Time to Start Sipping
This top 10 list of the best Cabernet Sauvignons is just a fraction of what you can find at YourWineStore, your premier destination to buy wine online. Use it as a starting point to explore different producers, AVAs, and discover your preferences. And if you're looking for more, join our Insider club for savings on every bottle and expertly curated shipments. Learn more here.
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FAQs
1. What is the primary flavor profile of Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its rich and bold flavor profile, featuring prominent notes of blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, and plum. It often has hints of green bell pepper, tobacco, and cedar, especially if aged in oak barrels.
2. How should I serve Cabernet Sauvignon for the best experience?
Cabernet Sauvignon is best served at room temperature, typically between 60-65°F (15-18°C). This allows its complex flavors and aromas to fully develop. Decanting the wine before serving can also help soften its tannins and enhance its flavor.
3. What foods pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes and rich flavors, making it a versatile choice for many meals. Here are some great pairings across different price points:
- Under $20: Pair with Italian dishes like ravioli or meat-based red sauces, as well as grilled sausages.
- Under $30: Excellent with charbroiled burgers, steak, or gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese.
- Under $50: Perfect with lamb chops, beef stew, or aged cheeses for a more sophisticated meal.
- Under $100: Enjoy with grilled ribeye, braised pork ragu, or a rich mushroom dish.
4. Can Cabernet Sauvignon be aged, and if so, for how long?
Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon has excellent aging potential. Here’s a breakdown based on different price points:
- Under $20: Best enjoyed young, within 2-5 years of vintage for optimal freshness.
- Under $30: Can age gracefully for 3-7 years, developing smoother tannins and enhanced complexity.
- Under $50: Ideal for aging 5-10 years, allowing rich flavors to evolve beautifully.
- Under $100: High-quality bottles can age for 10-20 years or more, revealing intricate flavors and a velvety texture.
5. How does Cabernet Sauvignon differ from other red wines like Merlot or Pinot Noir?
Cabernet Sauvignon is generally stronger, earthier, and drier compared to Merlot and Pinot Noir. While Merlot tends to be softer, fruitier, and more approachable with less tannin, Pinot Noir is lighter in body with a more delicate flavor profile. Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold structure and complex flavors make it distinctively different from these other red varieties.