Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as the world’s most beloved wine grape. It thrives in France, California, Washington, Tuscany, Australia, and South Africa. Its thick skin and adaptability make it easy to grow in various climates.
Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold flavor and dark fruit notes make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a staple on restaurant wine lists. We’ve curated a selection of the best Cabernet Sauvignons from around the globe.
Our list includes budget-friendly options for weeknight dinners and classic Bordeaux wines. We’ve also included rare, indulgent bottles for special occasions. There’s something for every wine lover and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety in the world, surpassing other popular red wine varietals.
- The price range of cabernet sauvignon wines varies significantly, from $10 for the best value to $500 for the best splurge.
- The best California cabernet sauvignon in the list is priced at $280, showcasing the premium quality of Napa Valley wines.
- Washington State has emerged as a premier region for producing high-quality cabernet sauvignon, with an example on the list valued at $54.
- The best cabernet sauvignon priced below $20 is found in California, retailing for $18 and offering excellent value.
Introduction to Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet sauvignon is a beloved wine grape worldwide. It thrives in France, California, Washington, Tuscany, Australia, and South Africa. Its bold character and dark fruit flavors make it a favorite on wine lists.
Cabernet sauvignon typically has 13.5-15% alcohol by volume. It’s known for ripe black fruit flavors and spicy, earthy notes. The wine’s color ranges from deep ruby to dark plum.
Enjoy cabernet sauvignon slightly cooler than room temperature in a large wine glass. It originated in Bordeaux, France, and has spread to diverse wine regions.
Each region puts its unique stamp on the varietal. Bordeaux offers cedar and herbal notes. Napa Valley produces blackcurrant and pencil lead flavors. Coonawarra, South Australia, creates black plum and chocolate character.
The Origins and Rise of Cabernet Sauvignon
UC Davis researchers discovered cabernet sauvignon is a child of sauvignon blanc and cabernet franc. Its thick skin helps it thrive in various climates. It’s now the world’s most widely planted grape variety.
France grows a quarter of the world’s cabernet sauvignon grapes. Napa Valley accounts for 50% of all grapes grown there. Washington’s Columbia Valley is the state’s largest growing region.
Cabernet sauvignon is Chile’s most produced wine, making up one-third of all bottles. It’s often blended with other Bordeaux varieties like merlot and cabernet franc. This global phenomenon continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide.
Best Overall Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2016 Château Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan from Bordeaux, France, is a top-notch cabernet sauvignon. This Bordeaux-style blend offers a rich mix of flavors. You’ll taste dark fruits, cherry, fig, black truffles, tobacco, and mocha-vanilla.
The Château Pape Clément showcases the excellence of full-bodied reds from Bordeaux. Its fine tannins and elegant finish are truly impressive. Bernard Magrez, a renowned winemaker, operates this premium wine brand.
This vineyard has a fascinating history dating back 700 years. Pope Clement V owned it in the early 14th century. Today, it continues to produce exceptional wines.
“Complex and beguiling, this wine boasts a diverse flavor palate of dark fruits, cherry and fig, along with black truffles, forest floor, tobacco, and mocha and vanilla-tinged oak spices. It’s medium to full-bodied with fine-textured tannins, silken fruit and a long, elegant finish. In a word, exquisite.”
Best Value Cabernet Sauvignon
The Substance “Cs” Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington State offers great quality at a fair price. Winemaker Charles Smith crafts this bold wine with flavors of dark fruits, violets, tobacco, and pencil lead.
The 2019 vintage is naturally fermented and bottled unfiltered. It has earned high ratings from respected wine publications. Priced under $20, it’s perfect for casual sipping or pairing with grilled steak and pasta dishes.
Charles Smith’s journey is inspiring. He started selling wine from a van. Now, he’s a celebrated winemaker with awards from Wine Enthusiast and Food & Wine.
His recognizable black-and-white labels are found across the U.S. and internationally. The Substance “Cs” Cabernet Sauvignon showcases his talent for crafting exceptional best cabernet sauvignon at a great value.
“The 2019 ‘Cs’ Cabernet Sauvignon is already making fans with its bold and pleasing characteristics of dark fruit, violet, pipe tobacco, and pencil lead, but the wine is sturdy enough that it should continue to evolve and add finesse over the next decade at minimum.”
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a must-try for wine lovers of all levels. It’s a delicious, full-bodied red that offers great value. Enjoy it alone or pair it with your favorite dishes.
This full-bodied reds is perfect for wine ratings enthusiasts and California cabernet fans alike. It’s an indulgence you’ll want to revisit often for its excellent food pairings.
Best Splurge Cabernet Sauvignon
The Lokoya Mount Veeder from Napa Valley, California is a top-tier cabernet sauvignon. This full-bodied red offers an intense, complex experience. It’s a premium wine brand that showcases the best of California cabernet.
Winemaker Christopher Carpenter crafts this captivating blend of flavors. It features ripe blueberry, fragrant violet, earthy truffle, and wild herb notes. The wine’s structured tannins create a luxurious, long-lasting finish.
Most high-end cabernet sauvignon wines cost under $150 per bottle. The Lokoya Mount Veeder is pricier but worth it. Some top cabernet sauvignon wines, like first growth Bordeaux, can cost thousands.
This wine truly represents Napa Valley’s world-class terroir and winemaking expertise. It’s an exceptional choice for those seeking to elevate their wine experience. The Lokoya Mount Veeder will leave a lasting impression on any wine enthusiast.
“The Lokoya Mount Veeder is an indulgence, and you’ll know why as soon as the first drops fall on your tongue.”
Best French Cabernet Sauvignon
The left bank of Bordeaux’s Gironde River is home to world-class cabernet sauvignon. Pauillac, a prestigious appellation, produces exceptional Bordeaux-style blends. These wines showcase the noble cabernet sauvignon grape at its finest.
Château Lynch-Bages captures the essence of French cabernet sauvignon. As it ages, it develops a complex, peaty character. Matthew Kaner, a renowned sommelier, compares it to Islay Scotch.
Kaner praises this style for its gentle fruit ripeness. He also admires its exceptional terroir expression. These qualities make Lynch-Bages a standout among French cabernets.
Bordeaux’s left bank is known for its oak-aged wines. They boast robust structure and dark fruit flavors. These premium wine brands offer incredible aging potential.
Pauillac and nearby appellations produce classic cabernet sauvignon. They capture the grape’s essence in its ancestral home. These wines represent the best cabernet sauvignon France has to offer.
| Wine | Appellation | Availability | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Château Lynch-Bages | Pauillac | Available | 95 points |
| Château Latour | Pauillac | Available | 97 points |
| Château Lafite Rothschild | Pauillac | Available | 98 points |
“As Château Lynch-Bages ages, it gains an incredible peatiness, kind of like Islay Scotch! I love it so much.”
– Matthew Kaner, SOMM TV host and 2013 Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year
Best Californian Cabernet Sauvignon
The Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard from Oakville, Napa Valley, is a top-tier California cabernet. This oak-aged, full-bodied red wine showcases Napa Valley’s exceptional quality. It’s a prime example of why Napa is a world-renowned premium wine brand.
A Timeless Cabernet Sauvignon
The Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard cabernet ages for five years in French oak barrels. Its aroma features bay leaf, cedar, and mint notes. The flavors include raspberry, red currant, sassafras, dark chocolate, and eucalyptus.
Sweet, svelte tannins and mouthwatering acidity create a perfect balance. This wine can be enjoyed for decades, making it a true collector’s item.
“Every vintage since 1966 is coveted by collectors, but 2014 was a particularly good year for this best cabernet sauvignon.”
Heitz Cellar is a standout among Napa Valley’s premium wine brands. Their Martha’s Vineyard cabernet sauvignon comes from an exclusive Oakville vineyard. This unique microclimate produces an exceptional California cabernet.
best cabernet sauvignon from Washington
Washington State is producing some of the country’s best full-bodied reds. Eastern Washington’s Columbia Valley offers ideal conditions for growing the famous Bordeaux grape. Warm summer days, cool fall nights, and well-draining soils contribute to its success.
Woodward Canyon’s “Artist Series” stands out among Washington cabernet sauvignons. This family-owned winery has crafted exceptional wines since 1981. Their medium- to full-bodied red showcases the best of Washington cabernet.
The “Artist Series” offers notes of ripe black cherry, blueberry, and cassis. It also features warm baking spices, cedar, black pepper, menthol, and cocoa. Five years of bottle aging allows the flavors to fully integrate.
Other top-rated Washington cabernet sauvignons come from premier appellations. These include Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, and Walla Walla Valley. Each region imparts its own distinct character to the final blend.
Washington cabernet sauvignons offer exceptional value and quality. They’re a must-try for any full-bodied reds enthusiast. Pair them with hearty dishes like grilled steak or lamb chops.
Best Australian Cabernet Sauvignon
The Penfolds Bin 707 is a top-notch Australian cabernet sauvignon. This South Australian blend ages for a year in French and American oak. The result is a deep, structured wine worth trying.
It offers aromas of blackberry compote, tomato leaf, and cassis. Hints of brown butter and sage add complexity. This medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon has a smooth texture with light tannins.
You’ll taste black and red currant, ripe cherry, and mocha-tinged oak spices. These flavors linger on the finish. Wine lovers rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars on average.
The Penfolds Bin 707 showcases Australia’s high-quality full-bodied reds. It pairs well with grilled steak, roasted lamb, or dark chocolate desserts. This combination creates an amazing dining experience.
This wine is perfect for both experienced and new cabernet sauvignon drinkers. You can enjoy it now or cellar it for up to ten years. Over time, it will develop more complexity.
Best Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Clos Apalta from Chile’s Colchagua Valley is a true gem among premium Chilean cabernet wines. This full-bodied red blend bursts with dark fruit flavors. It’s a masterful creation that captures the essence of Chilean winemaking.
The blend consists of 64% carménère, 19% cabernet sauvignon, and 17% merlot. It offers intense aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, and red currants. Crème de cassis and savory olive tapenade round out its complex bouquet.
Grippy tannins give the wine structure and depth. Notes of tobacco, mint, and cacao add to its allure. The finish is focused and harmonious, leaving a lasting impression.
The Lapostolle family, Chilean wine royalty, crafts this exceptional premium wine brand. They collaborate with French winemakers Michel Rolland and Jacques Begarie. Together, they create a full-bodied red that showcases the best of Chilean cabernet sauvignon.
“Clos Apalta is a compact red, bursting at the seams with black raspberry, blackberry, red currants, crème de cassis and olive tapenade. Grippy, powerful tannins are underscored by savory tobacco, mint, and cacao—all leading to a focused and harmonious finish.”
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $20
The Mondavi family’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout value. This affordable California cabernet blends grapes from Paso Robles, Monterey coast, and Yolo County. It offers a truly impressive experience.
The wine bursts with wild-berry and strawberry notes. It also has herbaceous aromas of jasmine and violets. Soft tannins and juicy acidity make it perfect for full-bodied reds and various food pairings.
Wine Enthusiast gave this Cabernet Sauvignon a 94-point rating. At just $18.22, it’s a great choice for wine lovers. This well-balanced and flavorful Cabernet Sauvignon offers top quality at a low price.
“This is a fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers incredible quality and value. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of California cabernet on a budget.”
This Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for dinner parties or quiet evenings. Its rich, fruity flavors and smooth style will impress your guests. Enjoy top quality and great value with this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.
Regional Highlights
Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme in vineyards worldwide. This hardy grape thrives in various terroirs, each adding unique flavors to the wine. From France’s Bordeaux to California’s Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon shines.
Bordeaux blends, like Château Pape Clément, boast complex flavors. Think dark fruits, cigar box, and mocha notes. Napa Valley produces bold, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignons. Lokoya Mount Veeder exemplifies this style with its intense aromas and aging potential.
Chile’s Colchagua Valley offers a different take. Clos Apalta, a compact red blend, bursts with black fruit flavors. It features gripping tannins and hints of tobacco and mint.
| Region | Prominent Cabernet Sauvignons | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux, France | Château Pape Clément | Complex, dark fruits, cigar box, mocha |
| Napa Valley, California | Lokoya Mount Veeder | Bold, fruit-forward, intense, age-worthy |
| Colchagua Valley, Chile | Clos Apalta | Compact blend, black fruits, gripping tannins, tobacco, mint |
Winemakers use various techniques to bring out Cabernet Sauvignon’s best qualities. They focus on vineyard care, fermentation, and oak aging. The result? A diverse array of wines that showcase this grape’s amazing adaptability.
“Cabernet Sauvignon is the aristocrat of red wine grapes, commanding respect wherever it is grown.”
Conclusion
Cabernet Sauvignon has become a global wine phenomenon. Its bold flavors and aging potential have won over wine lovers worldwide. From Bordeaux to new wine regions, Cabernet Sauvignon continues to impress.
Exceptional Cabernet options range from high-end Lokoya to affordable Silver Totem. Renowned regions like Médoc, Coonawarra, and Maipo Valley produce world-class Cabernets. Each area offers unique flavors shaped by its terroir.
Sustainable winemaking has boosted Cabernet Sauvignon’s appeal. Many winemakers now use organic farming and minimal intervention techniques. This approach caters to wine enthusiasts seeking quality and value.
FAQ
What makes cabernet sauvignon such a popular wine grape?
Cabernet sauvignon is beloved worldwide for good reasons. It’s easy to grow and thrives in various climates. The grape’s thick skin contributes to its bold, sturdy character.
Its dark fruit flavors and big tannins make it a crowd-pleaser. Cabernet sauvignon’s rise also coincides with the trend towards varietal wines.
What are some of the best cabernet sauvignon wines to try?
The 2016 Château Pape Clément from Bordeaux, France offers complex and diverse flavors. Washington State’s Substance “Cs” provides bold characteristics at an affordable price.
For a splurge, try the full-bodied Lokoya Mount Veeder from Napa Valley. The Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard is a classic with true cabernet aromas.
Where are some of the top cabernet sauvignon-producing regions?
Cabernet sauvignon originated in southwest France but is now grown globally. Top regions include California, Washington, Tuscany, Australia, and South Africa.
Specific areas like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Walla Walla Valley are famous for exceptional cabernet sauvignons.
How should cabernet sauvignon be paired with food?
Cabernet sauvignon pairs well with rich, flavorful dishes due to its bold character. It complements grilled meats, hearty stews, hard cheeses, and dark chocolate desserts.
The wine’s tannins and acidity make it versatile for various cuisines. Its robust nature enhances the flavors of many dishes.
What are some key characteristics to look for in a quality cabernet sauvignon?
Quality cabernet sauvignon has intense aromas of dark fruits like blackberry and black cherry. Look for notes of tobacco, leather, and spice from oak aging.
The wine should have a full, robust mouthfeel with firm tannins. A long, elegant finish is also a sign of a good cabernet sauvignon.