Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s foremost red wine-grape variety. Though widely cultivated throughout the world, it is most commonly associated with the red wines of Bordeaux.
In the vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are small, thick-skinned and decidedly blue-colored, with a high pip-to-pulp ratio. Its thick skin results in wines of profoundly deep color, and the pips add a high level of tannin.
It ripens late, which is advantageous in warmer climates like Bordeaux, France and California. In colder growing environments, Cabernet Sauvignon can easily fail to ripen properly. Unripe Cabernet Sauvignon shows a lot of the aromas similar to unripe Cabernet Franc, notably a green or herbaceous character. This may not be entirely surprising, as Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents are Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.
Cabernet Sauvignon’s flavors can vary from region to another. Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Bordeaux’s Margaux appellation varies considerably from one grown farther north in Pauillac, for example. The best Cabernet Sauvignon wines tend to have deep color, good structure and a full body. They are tannic in youth, especially when aged in oak, and often require a few years to soften before they become enjoyable to drink. Typical flavors may include black fruits like blackcurrant or blackberry, as well as fragrant cigar box, tobacco and coffee.
Bordeaux
Cabernet Sauvignon is at home in Bordeaux, where it is the key red variety in the Left Bank regions of the Médoc and Pessac-Léognan. Here, it is the main component in Bordeaux-style red blends, with smaller additions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The top wines of the Médoc are from Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe, and are arguably the greatest expressions of the grape. These are deep-colored reds with very high tannin and the capacity to age for decades.
California
The other region that competes with Bordeaux on Cabernet Sauvignon is California, and particularly Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon has become ubiquitous. The region is famous for its Bordeaux-style red blends and cult Cabernets, whose prices can often meet and exceed the first growths of Bordeaux. Other North American regions that produce quality Cabernet Sauvignon include Washington State and British Columbia in Canada.
Global Production
Elsewhere, Cabernet Sauvignon is cultivated to a greater or lesser extent in virtually all wine-growing regions. High-quality wines are produced in Bolgheri, Italy and Australia, notably Margaret River and Coonawarra. Cabernet Sauvignon is permitted in some Spanish red wine regions, including Rioja and Ribera del Duero. There are considerable plantings and good quality in Chile, Argentina and South Africa. Explore hundreds of popular and unique Cabernet Sauvignon wines with our Buying Guide. Our expert tasters rate and review thousands of options to make it easy to select a wine you’ll enjoy.
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J. Lohr 2003 Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
NapaYoung and tannic now, but impresses for balance and power, suggesting cellaring. ...See Full Review$40 -
Concha y Toro 2019 Gravas del Maipo Cabernet Sauvignon (Puente Alto)
ChileA nose of chocolate and nutmeg over a core of blueberry is ...See Full Review$65 -
Niner 2019 Fog Catcher Red (Paso Robles)
Central CoastFocused aromas of blackberry, loamy earth and elegant woodspice decorate the nose ...See Full Review$125 -
Seña 2020 Rocas de Seña Red (Aconcagua Valley)
ChileAn enticing nose offers notes of blackberry and blueberry alongside green bell ...See Full Review$60 -
Viña Don Melchor 2020 Don Melchor Puente Alto Vineyard CS Red (Puente Alto)
ChileFull bodied, this classic Cabernet Sauvignon displays ripe red-plum aromas followed by ...See Full Review$150 -
Thorn Clarke 2018 William Randell Cabernet Sauvignon (Eden Valley)
South AustraliaThe perfume of Eden Valley is on lovely display here. Wild blueberry ...See Full Review$58 -
Murrieta's Well 2019 Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)
Central CoastPacked full of flavor, this wine offers notes of blackberry and blueberry ...See Full Review$100 -
Precision Wine 2020 Headline Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
SonomaThis easy-drinking but full-bodied wine offers abundant black cherries, black currants and ...See Full Review$35 -
McPrice Myers 2020 Fait Accompli Red (Paso Robles)
Central CoastIntense cassis, blueberry and violet flavors create a dark, fresh nose to ...See Full Review$55 -
Shottesbrooke 2018 Punch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale)
South AustraliaThis is a ripe, fruity and highly appealing Cab with aromas of ...See Full Review$35 -
Auld 2017 Strawbridge Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa Valley)
South AustraliaFive years of bottle age—at the time of tasting—and this Cab has ...See Full Review$45 -
Concha y Toro 2019 Terrunyo Cabernet Sauvignon (Pirque)
ChileSubtle grass, cherry, and blueberry aromas lead to a well-structured palate that ...See Full Review$60 -
Sebastiani 2019 Gravel Bed Red (Sonoma County)
SonomaSmooth and supple, this full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a ...See Full Review$50 -
Lapostolle 2018 Le Petit Clos Clos Apalta Red (Apalta)
ChileDried herbs, green bell pepper, and black fruit are aromatic on the ...See Full Review$55 -
Dubost 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Adelaida District)
Central CoastRich black-cherry-cream aromas meet with toasty caramel on the nose of this ...See Full Review$75 -
Lapostolle 2020 Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon (Apalta)
ChileThis red is a Cabernet Sauvignon (with a splash of Cabernet Franc ...See Full Review$25 -
Element 79 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Fair Play)
Sierra FoothillsVoluptuous and mouthfilling, this big red wine interweaves fruit concentration with elegant ...See Full Review$42 -
Portal Del Alto 2019 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Maule Valley)
ChileAniseed, prune and hints of black olive introduce a ripe palate with ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
San Pedro 2020 1865 Selected Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)
ChileFruit forward, it shows cherry and raspberry aromas with hints of aniseed. ...Best BuySee Full Review$19 -
Santa Isle 2019 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Maule Valley)
ChileAfter a minute in the glass this wine shows inviting aromas of ...Best BuySee Full Review$17
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