
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 Sauvignon95
- Bordeaux Red Blends75
- Pinot Noir55
- Other Red Blends34
- Sangiovese34
- Syrah/Shiraz31
- Rhône Blends22
- Tempranillo21
- Nebbiolo17
- Malbec10
- Tuscan Blends10
- Grenache8
- Merlot8
- Zinfandel5
- Gamay4
- Montepulciano4
- Petite Sirah4
- Cabernet Franc3
- Cinsault2
- Other Red Wine2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Aglianico1
- Bonarda1
- Carmenere1
- Corvina1
- Mourvedre1
- Nero d'Avola1
- Petit Verdot1
- Pinotage1
- Agiorgitiko1
- Freisa1
- Grignolino1
- Mencia1
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Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Jamieson Ranch Vineyards Double Lariat Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Hall Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
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Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet 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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Double Canyon Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 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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Groth Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, 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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Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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The Counselor River Pass Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Freemark Abbey Sycamore Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon (375ML half-bottle) 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Faust The Pact 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville, Napa Valley, California
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Signorello Padrone Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Stonestreet Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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