
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.
Related lists
- Cabernet Sauvignon145
- Pinot Noir133
- Bordeaux Red Blends102
- Other Red Blends61
- Rhône Blends60
- Nebbiolo47
- Sangiovese46
- Syrah/Shiraz41
- Tempranillo40
- Malbec21
- Grenache12
- Tuscan Blends12
- Zinfandel9
- Cabernet Franc8
- Merlot8
- Gamay7
- Nerello Mascalese4
- Cinsault3
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- Other Red Wine2
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DAOU Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet 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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Immortal Estate Slope Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California
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Pine Ridge Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Mount Veeder 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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Robert Mondavi To Kalon Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Joseph Phelps 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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Honig Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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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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CADE Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
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Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Stonestreet Rockfall Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California
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Rombauer Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Immortal Estate Impassable Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California
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Nickel & Nickel Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from 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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Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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