
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
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Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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- D
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Immortal Estate Slope Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California
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Immortal Estate Impassable Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California
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Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California
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Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- RP
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Pine Ridge Fortis Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Heitz Cellar Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Delectus French Wedding Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Somerston Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Rudd Samantha's Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Volker Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Chiles Valley, Napa Valley, California
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Convexity Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Hall Eighteen Seventy-Three Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- WW
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Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California
- WW
- D
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Silverado SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
- D
- JS
- WW
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Six Sigma Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Lake County, North Coast, California
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Gallica Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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AXR Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Stanton Vineyards Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
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