Cabernet Sauvignon Favorites

Apr 26

A little bit about Cabernet…

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape in the world, and for most, that should come as no surprise. This varietal, accidentally created through the crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in the 17th century, is smooth, well-rounded, and usually the safest bet to please everyone in a crowd. Because, who doesn’t like Cabernet?!

Cabernet is an important contributor to the history of the American wine regions we’ve come to know and love. Cabernet Sauvignon was the varietal that showed the world what California wine-making had to offer. In what has become known as the “Judgement of Paris” in the 1970’s, Cabernet stood up to some of the best Bordeaux of the time and finally earned both the region and the varietal its chops in the wine world.

Because of this, when most people think of Cabernet Sauvignon, they think of the famous Napa Valley Cabernet, or Napa Cab as it has lovingly been shortened to. Napa Cabs are known for being full bodied, high on flavor, oaked, and pricey. I personally love a Napa Cab and as you’ll see in my hit list of favorites, most of them hail from none other than Napa Valley. That being said there are other regions beginning to gain notoriety for their Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet from areas such as the the Central Coast of California, Washington, and Argentina are slowly becoming favorites of our as well due to the increasing number of great wines coming out of those regions.

Current Favorite Cabernet Sauvignon Picks

While my many of the Cabernet picks on this list are lifelong favorites that I will never stop stocking, a few are new favorites that we’ve been really enjoying and that I’d recommend adding to the rotation of the your Cabernet staples!

Splurges

Pride Mountain Vineyards

Pride’s Cabernet will always be my #1. For me their Cabernet is everything I love about red wine. It’s balanced, flavorful, rich, and fresh. If you follow my Instagram, you have heard about this wine and winery many times, and will continue to. If you haven’t tried Pride wines, now is the time!

Vincent Arroyo

The mix of deep dark cherry and spice coupled with a well rounded finish make this wine a worthwhile splurge. I love all Vincent Arroyo wines (especially their Petite Sirah) and their Cabernet is no exception.

Quilceda Creek

This Washington Cabernet producer is exactly why Washington deserves to be apart of the Cabernet Sauvignon discussion. Their wine is ridiculously good and rivals a Napa Valley cab but brings a little something extra.

Raymond Vineyards

Raymond Vineyards is as Napa Valley as a Napa Valley Cab can get. Everything you think of when you think of Napa Cabs can be found in this wine.

Stag’s Leap

My guess is that everybody who enjoys a Napa Cab knows about Stag’s Leap, and for good reason. For me Stag’s Leap is an old faithful.

Turnbull

We tried this Cabernet for the first time a few weeks based on a recommendation from our favorite wine shop and I was incredibly impressed. Suffice to say this Cabernet will be a regular stock in our house going forward.

Everyday Drinkers

Wines of Substance

Run, don’t walk to your local Costco and buy yourself a case at discount of this bad boy. Every time I introduce this wine to someone who has never had it they are shocked at the amazing price point.

Mina Mesa

Paso Robles does it again!! This Cabernet is great for the price and a really nice example of what the Central Coast has to offer for Cabernet.

Harvester

Since we’re on the Paso Robles train, why not throw in another great producer in the region for good measure? This is an crowd pleaser and an easy drinker!