
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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Quintessa 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, 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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Santa Carolina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
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St. Supery Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Santa Julia Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia
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Quintessa (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Hacienda Araucano Gran Araucano Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
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Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
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Keenan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Baron Philippe de Rothschild Escudo Rojo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo Valley, Chile
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Di Majo Norante Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Molise, Italy
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Merryvale Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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St. Supery Dollarhide Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Volker Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Chiles Valley, Napa Valley, California
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Markham Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Hacienda Araucano Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
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Prelius Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy
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Round Pond Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina
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Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Aconcagua Valley, Chile
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Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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