
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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Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
- W&S
- CG
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Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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TOR Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Clones 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- CG
- WE
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Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- W&S
- CG
- WE
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Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
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Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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David Arthur Elevation 1147 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Whitehall Lane Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- CG
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Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Pine Ridge Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- WE
- RP
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Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- CG
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Cliff Lede Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Pine Ridge Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Palmaz Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Camelot Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from California
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Freemark Abbey Sycamore Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Behrens & Hitchcock Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon 2002Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS