
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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Robert Mondavi To Kalon Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Rombauer Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Nickel & Nickel Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
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Hourglass Blueline Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Nickel & Nickel C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
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Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Frog's Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Signorello Padrone Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Robert Foley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
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Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Nickel & Nickel Bear Track Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Nickel & Nickel Vaca Vista Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa (375ML half-bottle) 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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