
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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- Nebbiolo51
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- Malbec34
- Syrah/Shiraz33
- Tuscan Blends22
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- Rhône Blends11
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Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Jamieson Ranch Vineyards Double Lariat Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo Valley, Chile
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Black Stallion Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Pine Ridge Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Hess Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Robert Mondavi To Kalon Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Yountville, 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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Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Chimney Rock Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
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Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Fay Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
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Rombauer Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Chappellet Signature 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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Nickel & Nickel Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Faust The Pact 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville, 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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