
Cabernet Sauvignon
Learn about Cabernet Sauvignon — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe. Inherently high in tannins and acidity, the best bottlings of Cabernet can age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in temperate climates like Bordeaux where it forms the base of the Medoc reds. These blends are typically mostly Cabernet with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. (Enjoying a great deal of success in various regions around the world, this blend is now globally referred to as a Bordeaux Blend.) Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines.
Tasting Notes for Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry red wine rich in color, tannin and extract. It expresses notes of blackberry, cassis, plum, currant, spice and tobacco. In the Old World you'll often find the more earthy side of Cabernet. In warmer regions like California, Washington, Argentina, Chile and Australia, you can typically expect more upfront fruit flavors.
Perfect Food Pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is right at home with rich, intense meat dishes—beef, lamb and venison, in particular—where its opulent fruit and decisive tannins make an equal match to the dense protein of the meat. With a mature Cabernet, opt for tender, slow-cooked meat dishes.
Sommelier Secrets for Cabernet Sauvignon
Despite the modern importance and ubiquity of Cabernet Sauvignon, it is actually a relatively young variety. In 1997, DNA profiling revealed the grape to be a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc which took place in 17th century southwestern France.
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Vigilance Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Hills, Lake County, North Coast, California
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Jamieson Ranch Vineyards Double Lariat Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Parducci True Grit Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendocino, California
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AERENA by Blackbird Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from North Coast, California
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Annabella Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Pine Ridge Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Vina Robles Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Trentadue La Storia Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Schug Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Double Canyon Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Bella Union by Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Robert Oatley Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
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Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Lapostolle Grand Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rapel Valley, Chile
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DAOU Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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