Cabernet Sauvignon, often called the King of Red Wines, is known for its deep color and complex flavors that evolve over time. Whether you're prioritizing boldness, a smooth finish, or price point (sometimes you just need a drink now sipper for that reality show binge) this list will help you find the right Cabernet Sauvignon for you. And P.S., all of the wines mentioned below are available for purchase online directly through YourWineStore.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $30
Yes, you can have your Cab and drink it too! These under $30 bottles are like your favorite thrift-store finds–high-quality at a steal. They’re perfect for casual evenings or simply making your Tuesday night feel like a Friday.
1. Carmel Road | Monterey Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Rich with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, and hints of vanilla bean.
Food pairings: Pair with Italian dishes like ravioli and meat based red sauce pastas as well as sausage.
Why we chose it for the list: This incredibly easy-to-enjoy, fruit-forward sipper is a great representation of the Monterey AVA. It’s lightweight profile and controlled tannins makes it a crowd pleaser that both non-wine drinkers and Cabernet loyalists can get behind.
2. Murphy-Goode | California Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Look forward to a red wine full of aromas and flavors of black cherry with just a hint of black licorice. The finish will add notes of chocolate, vanilla, and just a touch of toast.
Food pairings: Pair with charbroiled burgers or your favorite steak fresh off of the grill.
Why we chose it for the list: This rich and velvety Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the essence of Sonoma County. Its luscious blackberry notes and smooth, approachable tannins make it a delightful choice for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
3. Kendall-Jackson | Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Round tannins provide a robust structure and a supple mid-palate, with notes of cedar, vanilla, and mocha that lingers on the finish.
Food pairings: Pair with beef short ribs, lamb sliders and impossible burger.
Why we chose it for the list: This versatile wine is the perfect plus-one for any meal, effortlessly complementing the richness of gourmet mac 'n' cheese or a sumptuous steak dinner. With its smooth and velvety texture, it’s a luxury you can enjoy every day.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $100
For the traditionalists who crave a classic, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with bold tannins and rich dark fruit flavors, these classics are sure to please. These wines are crafted from premium vineyards and aged for an authentic taste that perfectly showcases the varietal's distinctive character.
4. Arrowood | Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
What it taste like: Flavors of black cherry, leather, and slate with notes of cocoa and spice.
Food pairings: Pair with lamb chops, beef stew, sausages and hard aged cheeses.
Why we chose it for the list: With a portfolio dedicated to single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, it's clear Arrowood has a passion for this varietal. This wine comes from Sonoma County, which may be less recognized for its Cabernet Sauvignon compared to Napa, but it’s equally exceptional! Consider it the indie label of Cabernet Sauvignon AVA's that you won't be able to resist once you give it a try.
5. Stonestreet Estate Vineyards | Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Blackcurrant, cedar, and eucalyptus with a regal structure and enticing dark chocolate and tobacco finish.
Food pairings: Pair with grilled Steak with roasted potatoes, braised pork ragu and roast chicken and mushrooms.
Why we chose it for the list: This Estate Cabernet showcases the exceptional fruit of Alexander Valley. The talented winemakers crafted a wine as elegant and refined as a black-tie affair. It will dazzle any wine aficionado.
6. Freemark Abbey | Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
What it tastes like: Dark berry fruit, cocoa, and Herbs de Provence. Its full body with supple tannins ensures a soft entry with a gradual development of dark cherry flavors throughout.
Food pairings: Pair with beef tenderloin grilled with Herbs de Provence, braised short ribs.
Why we chose it for the list: Full disclosure, you can't go wrong with any Freemark Abbey Cabernet. They've been a part of the Napa winemaking scene before Napa became a household name. We selected this bottle specifically because both newcomers and connoisseurs can appreciate its profile without paying a high price tag.
7. Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard | Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon | McLaren Vale, Australia
What it taste like: Ripe blueberry, blackberries, and a touch of fresh herb. The palate adds notes of bittersweet chocolate and minerality that leads to a prolonged finish.
Food pairings: Pair with braised beef and beef short ribs and steak.
Why we chose it for the list: The northern hemisphere isn't the only half of the world that knows how to produce an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. To showcase their exceptional winemaking, we picked the debut vintage of Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon from the Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard. With a focus on biodynamic farming and limited yields, this Australian Cabernet reflects dedication and vision, delivering an experience everyone can enjoy.
Splurge-Worthy Cabernets Under $200
These ones may have a higher price tag, but it's for a good reason! They aren't just wines but an experience. Each producer takes their role very seriously in highlighting the vineyards but also creating a memorable wine for you to sip, savor, and look back onto fondly.
8. Mt. Brave | Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, Ca
What it tastes like: Blue fruits, toast, and dark cherry on the palate. Minerality and weight lead to a wonderfully textured finish.
Food pairings: Pair with grilled ribeye, rack of lamb and osso bucco.
Why we chose it for the list: A wine as adventuresome as a climb up Mount Everest, with bold flavors daring you to take another sip (spoiler alert: it’s a dare you’ll want to accept). It's got altitude (literally, Mt. Veeder is sky-high) and attitude (those tannins don't mess around). It’s a wine worth bragging about!
9. Anakota | Helena Dakota Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, CA
What it taste like: Plum, anise, cassis, leather, bay leaf, and cedar, galvanized by a streak of minerals and bold tannins for an adrenalizing experience.
Food pairings: Pair with rich foods such as steak, venison, short ribs and lamb chops.
Why we chose it for the list: The Helena Dakota vineyard in Napa Valley has a rich history, crafting wines with oodles of character. Anakota's Cabernet is the epitome of finesse and flavor, leaving your taste buds begging for an encore.
10. La Jota | Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, CA
What it tastes like: Dark fruit flavors, including blackberry, plum, and cassis, this Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is interlaced with hints of dark chocolate, coffee beans, and a smoky minerality.
Food pairings: Pairs with New York strip steak, lamb stew and osso bucco.
Why we chose it for the list: La Jota started making Howell Mountain wines well before the 18th amendment, and clearly not even that could stop them from making gorgeous, small-lot mountain fruit Cabernets. This wine has an intensity and structure that pays tribute to volcanic soils and high-elevation climate of Napa’s Howell Mountain. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves Cabernet or loves exploring small-lot producers.
Time to Start Sipping
This top 10 list of Cabernet Sauvignons is just a fraction of what you can find at YourWineStore, your premier destination to buy wine online. Use it as a starting point to explore different producers, AVAs, and discover your preferences. And if you're looking for more, join our Insider club for savings on every bottle and expertly curated shipments. Learn more here.
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