
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
-
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW
- D
-
Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- D
- TP
- W&S
- WW
-
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- WW
-
Jamieson Ranch Vineyards Double Lariat Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- D
- WW
- JS
-
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW
- WE
-
Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- WW
-
Groth Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- W&S
- WE
- WS
- WW
-
Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- WS
- WW
- WE
- JS
-
Hall Ellie's Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- V
- WW
- RP
-
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW
- D
-
Faust The Pact 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville, Napa Valley, California
- JS
- RP
- WW
- WS
-
Merryvale Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- W&S
- WW
- JD
- WE
- RP
- JS
-
The Counselor River Pass Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW
-
Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- D
- RP
- JS
- WW
-
Hall Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
- WE
- WW
-
Emblem by Michael Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- WW
-
Rombauer Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- RP
- WW
- JS
-
Simi Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW
-
Goldschmidt Vineyard Game Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- WW
- RP
- JS
-
Murphy-Goode Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW
-
Honig Cabernet Sauvignon (375ML half-bottle) 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- JS
- WW
- D
-
Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Cruz Mountains, California
- WW
- RP
-
Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California
- WW
- CG
-
Langmeil The Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WW
- RP
-
Rodney Strong Knights Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW