
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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Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- WE
- RP
- W&S
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Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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PlumpJack Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- WE
- RP
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Arrowood Reserve Speciale Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
- RP
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Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- JS
- WS
- RP
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Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- W&S
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Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WE
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Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
- WE
- RP
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Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- CG
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Shafer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from California
- RP
- WS
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Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Robert Craig Cellars Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from North Coast, California
- WS
- RP
- WE
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Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L Magnum) 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- W&S
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Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
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Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Los Vascos Le Dix 1997Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile
- RP