If you’re new to wine-tasting, buying a bottle may seem intimidating. You’ll find so many options, and without knowing what to look for, how wine is stored in cellars, or the importance of what grapes are used, the industry jargon — and learning how to find a good deal — may seem impossible. Fortunately, we can help.
This versatile wine pairs well with anything, from heavy meat dishes to sweet desserts. If you’re looking for the best cabernet sauvignon, here’s a list of options for all palates and budgets, ranked from most affordable to expensive. Cab sav is truly the King (or Queen) of Reds.
1. Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 13.5%
Winery: Columbia Winery
Price: $14.99
Displaying red berry and cedar aromas, the Columbia Cabernet exhibits flavors of cherry and dried herb flavors followed by a lasting finish.
This is an affordable cab sav that doesn’t compromise on taste. Pair it with beef, ribs, or lamb to complement your meal.
Shop now: Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Wines Of Substance Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%
Winery: Charles Smith Wines
Price: $16.99
Wines of Substance hail from the Washington growing region, designed by savvy winemaker Charles Smith. For tasting notes, expect a blend of cassis, cedar, vanilla, and toast in a rich, full-bodied, balanced package. Pair it with prime ribs for an evening meal.
Shop now:Wines Of Substance Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Moral Compass Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%
Winery: Moral Compass
Price: $19.95
This fruity cabernet sauvignon displays black cherry, oak, and anise aromas, leading to a rich palate marked with deep, black fruit flavors with notes of dark chocolate and spice. It’s a versatile wine paired with most meals, including beef.
Shop now: Moral Compass Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Image pulled from Gopuff product page
4. Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%
Winery: Intrinsic Wine Co.
Price: $23.79
Washington State comes through with another smooth cabernet sauvignon, this time from Intrinsic Wine Co. Its cassis (a robust black currant taste) is intense, a full-bodied blend of currants and sweet tobacco. It pairs well with beef or game meat.
Shop now:Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon
5. Concoxion Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 13.8%
Winery: Purple Brands
Price: $23.95
Purple Brands has created one of the best California cabernet sauvignons with their Concoxion Paso Robles, a dark, luscious blend of rich dark berry and juicy black jam flavors on the palate; quite intense black fruit on the long finish with notes of savory herb and spices. Pair this wine with beef or duck for your meal.
Shop now:Concoxion Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
6. Educated Guess Cabernet Napa
ABV: 14.5%
Winery: Roots Run Deep
Price: $24.99
If you’re looking for a full-bodied cabernet from the Napa Valley, Educated Guess is excellent. Made by award-winning winemaker Roots Run Deep, this wine mixes black cherry, blackberry, and french vanilla, making it a perfect drink to sip on during a balmy summer evening. It works well with beef.
Shop now: Educated Guess Cabernet Napa
7. Tributus Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.2%
Winery: Tributus Vineyard
Price: $25.99
Tributus is among several cabernet sauvignon wine brands with a consistently excellent reputation, and its cab sav from Paso Robles continues this trend. Typically, it’s aged in oak barrels for several months before bottling, resulting in a dark purple color, cherry, plum, and black currant fruit aromas and flavors. This dark wine pairs well with beef or venison.
Shop now:Tributus Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
8. Karli Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.7%
Winery: Karli
Price: $31.99
Karli has created one of the best cab wines representing generations of rich heritage, culminating in this elegantly bold and luscious wine. This cab sav bursts with black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate with spicy oak accents.
Shop now:Karli Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
9. Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.3%
Winery: Robert Mondavi Winery
Price: $31.99
Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with black cherry, plum, and blackberry flavors, complemented by traces of herbs, spices, and semi-sweet chocolate. This bottle of red wine has a velvety essence and a smooth finish.
Shop now: Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
10. Navigator Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%
Winery: Precision Wine Co.
Price: $39.95
Navigator Cabernet Sauvignon is dark and dense, with aromas of cassis, plum, anise, and just the right amount of toasty spice and vanilla. This fruit-forward cabernet is intense and enveloped in soft, ripe tannins, which lead to a beautifully balanced finish.
Shop now:Navigator Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
11. The Prisoner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 15%
Winery: Constellation Brands Inc.
Price: $56.99
From one of the most recognized Napa Valley wineries comes a distinct, new wine. Made in the same iconic style as The Prisoner Red Blend, Constellation Brands Inc. proudly introduces The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon. Redefining taste once again with one of the best cabernet sauvignons out there.
Shop now: The Prisoner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
12. ZD Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.6%
Winery: ZD Wines
Price: $78.99
This wine exhibits intense aromas of blackberry, plum, and cassis with hints of cocoa, cedar, and sweet vanilla, a palate of concentrated black fruits, lush tannins, and well-balanced acidity.
ZD Wines has an award-winning cabernet sauvignon selection, and they’re one of the most famous wineries in the Napa Valley region.
Shop now:ZD Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
FAQs
What is the difference between different types of wine?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of red wine to help you navigate the grocery store shelves.
Cabernet Franc is one of the main black grape varieties worldwide. It’s the parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and is often grown to be blended with one of them. What results is a medium-bodied red wine with lighter flavors. The majority of these grapes are grown in France.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine made from red-skinned grapes, which can grow well in almost all the world’s wine-producing regions, including Canada, Australia, Chile, and Italy, among others. Cab sav is characterized by its full body and lingering mouthfeel. It’s a deep red with diverse flavors depending on where the grapes are grown.
Malbec is a red wine made from purple-skinned grapes. This wine most often comes from warmer climates like Argentina, Chile, California, and Southwest France. Malbec is a dry red (not too sweet) and has a robust body and dark fruit and oak flavors.
Merlot is a type of wine made from dark blue-colored grapes from wine regions around the world, including Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Sonoma County. Its soft, smooth texture makes it an approachable choice, especially for those new to red wine.
What is a good, reasonably priced cabernet sauvignon?
A bottle of good red wine can cost as low as $15, as shown on our list. The highest-rated wines, like the ZD Napa Valley Cab Sav, will come at a higher price point than others.
The price range is determined by several factors, including the winery’s clout and brand, the vineyard’s location, and the wine’s age. Price can also fluctuate if the wine has traveled far and wide to reach your glass — most domestic options won’t cost as much.
How do you pick a good cabernet sauvignon?
If you don’t have much red wine knowledge or a savvy friend who can help you out, here are some easy ways to choose a good bottle of cabernet sauvignon.
While you’re in the store browsing bottles, look at the year of the vintage. Older vintages become more complex and flavorful due to a chemical reaction happening in the bottle among the sugar, acids, and other elements. Also, check the region to learn where it was made and by whom? Some areas have a reputation for producing consistently high-quality beverages, like France’s Bordeaux region or California’s Napa Valley.
When you pour a glass of cabernet sauvignon or do a taste test at a restaurant, pay attention to the aroma, color, and flavor. The color should be rich and dark, ranging from wine-red to an inky purple. Take a sip and notice how it feels in your mouth and what the flavors bring up for you. You’re looking for a full-bodied wine but not too bitter or sweet.
Don’t forget to browse through Gopuff’s entire selection if you want to shop for more cab savs and have them delivered to your door. You can also order available red and white wines to keep your cabinets fully stocked.
FAQs
What is the number 1 red wine in the world? ›
1. Château Lafite Rothschild (Bordeaux, France) With 400 years of winemaking history backing it, Château Lafite is undoubtedly one of the world's oldest winemakers.
Which wine is the king of red wines? ›For eThere are thousands of grape varieties in the world of wine. Yet the noble Cabernet Sauvignon is the most recognized and famous of them all. This red grape helped shape the evolution of modern day wine.
What is the number 1 wine 2022? ›November 18th – New York, NY—Wine Spectator, the world's leading authority on wine, announced Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Double Diamond 2019 as the 2022 Wine of the Year.
Which country makes the best Cabernet Sauvignon? ›France is often considered the home of cabernet, with Bordeaux leading the charge for producing exceptional cabernet and cabernet blends that are capable of ageing for decades. Most often known for being used as a part of a blend, it is seen alongside merlot, cabernet franc and occasionally petit verdot.
What is a wine that everyone likes? ›Cabernet Sauvignon
It's the most popular variety of wine in the world. If you have a discerning palate, you'll primarily taste black cherry and blackcurrant. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs great with beef, lamb, smoked meats and hard cheese.
Below are the results and accompanying tasting notes from the top awarded red wines in the 2022 New York World Wine Competition. The Best in Show Red Wine was Zilzie Wines, Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Edition 2020, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, 750 ml.
Where is the best red wine in the world made? ›When it comes to the best red wine, you'll want to look at regions such as Tuscany, Puglia, Veneto, Piemonte, Lambrusco and Sicily, where you'll find a variety of red wines to enjoy in the Italian sun.
What red wine does Gordon Ramsay use? ›Gordon Ramsay Intenso Rosso wine is a pioneering, cross-regional Italian red wine blend crafted by superstar Chef Gordon Ramsay and global wine consultant and owner of Poggiotondo in Tuscany, Alberto Antonini.
Which wine is considered king of all drinks? ›No other beverage in the world says luxury more than Champagne. It's the drink of celebration and status, a worldly swirl of bubbles that embodies elegance, success and joie de vivre.
What is the most popular wine in USA 2022? ›18/08/2022 The 2017 Coventina Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve wins the top score at the 2022 USA Wine Ratings, making it the Wine of the year.
What is Oprah's favorite wine? ›
Named one of Oprah's Favorite Things 2022, the Coravin Timeless Three+ wine by the glass system lets you pour your favorite wines without pulling the cork.
What wines to buy in 2022? ›- Tarpon Cellars 2021 Cambaro Red ($28)
- Good Harbor Pinot Grigio 2021 ($17) ...
- Hatzidakis Aidani Dry White Wine 2020 ($33) ...
- Dutton Estate Winery Sweet Sisters Late Harvest Syrah 2017 ($25) ...
- La Vis Classic Sauvignon Trentino DOC 2021 ($14) ...
- Goose Ridge Revelation Rosé 2021 ($18) ...
- Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon. Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon. ...
- Abreu Vineyard Thorevilos. ...
- Screaming Eagle Second Flight. ...
- Schrader Cellars To Kalon Vineyard. ...
- Schrader Cellars Old Sparky. ...
- Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon. ...
- Dalla Valle Vineyards Maya. ...
- Harlan Estate Bordeaux Blend.
Napa Valley, California, USA
Napa Valley is famous for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon wine and is known as one of the best cabernet sauvignon regions, not only in the United States but in the world. Wine lovers around the world are impressed by the rich character and full black-fruit notes.
If you want to get a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon, you need to check out the color because the wines are known for dark or inky purple color, depending on the region. It should look rich. This color is a result of the dark cherry and thick-skinned grape that was used in making the wine.
What is Obama's favorite wine? ›Despite his preference for beer, President Obama almost exclusively entertains with wine. Specifically, his favorite: Domaine Chandon's Blanc de Noirs. Every state dinner has featured this Californian pick.
What wine should I drink everyday? ›- Antinori Guado Al Tasso Vermentino ($24) ...
- Château Le Giron Bordeaux Blanc ($14) ...
- Domaine De L'ermitage Blanc Menetou Salon ($18) ...
- Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir ($28) ...
- Lucchetti Spumante Rosé ($20) ...
- Old Westminster Sparkling Orange Piquette Petillant Naturel ($20)
- Australian Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Australian Shiraz.
- California Cabernet Sauvignon.
- California Syrah.
- California Zinfandel.
- Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Fortified wines (Sicilian Marsala, Spanish Sherry, Portuguese Madeira, French Muscat)
- Merlot from Australia, California, or Chile.
Wines such as Malbec, Petite Sirah, St. Laurent, and Pinot Noir have the highest resveratrol content. Malbec grapes have the thickest skin and, therefore, the highest content of resveratrol.
What is the most popular red wine in the US? ›Cabernet Sauvignon. With flavors of black currant, anise and black pepper, cabernet sauvignon is the most popular red wine.
What is the trending red wine for 2022? ›
Best Red Wines 2022: Pinot Noir, Chianti Blends, Malbec, Merlot – Rolling Stone.
Which country has the healthiest red wine? ›One such locale is Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea off the western coast of Italy. "Sardinians are famous for their daily consumption of the robust, regional red wine called cannonau," says Buettner. If you're on the hunt for the healthiest red wine, this is it.
Where is the best wine made in the US? ›- Walla Walla Valley - Washington.
- Temecula Valley - California.
- Valle de Guadalupe - Baja California.
- Paso Robles - California.
- Sonoma County - California.
- Texas Hill Country - Texas.
- Dahlonega Plateau - Georgia.
- Finger Lakes - New York.
Too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on the body. But if you already enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, drinking it in moderation may improve your heart health.
What red wine do Catholic churches use? ›While the Catholic Church generally adheres to the rule that all wine for sacramental use must be pure grape wine and alcoholic it is accepted that there are some circumstances, where it may be necessary to use a wine that is only minimally fermented, called mustum.
What is Johnny Depp's wine? ›They are saying Mega Pint because Hollywood Actor Johnny Depp made the term famous via it's use in the defamation trial.
What red wine is most popular in France? ›A BORDEAUX RED
Bordeaux is France's most famous wine region and the reference point for Cabernet Sauvignon. But there's actually more Merlot (66%) in Bordeaux's vineyards overall than Cabernet (22.5%). This wine's blend mirrors that, and its black-and red-currant flavors and aroma are equally classic.
Moscato d'Asti Wine.
What was Princess Diana's favorite wine? ›In an exclusive interview on behalf of U.K. coffee retailer Coffee Friend, Chef McGrady disclosed that, although Princess Diana “wasn't a big drinker,” she was partial to the occasional Chardonnay.
What is a classy wine to drink? ›Syrah Shiraz Types of Wine. Merlot Red Wine. Pinot Noir - type of wine. Zinfandel Red Wine. Gewürztraminer White Wine.
Which wine makes you look younger? ›
“Red wine is not only delicious, but it can also be good for your skin,” says GTHQ founder Asha Dahya, highlighting that “the antioxidants in red wine can help to protect your skin from the damage caused by free radicals” which are often associated with being responsible for causing wrinkles and fine lines.
What is the best wine for your stomach? ›Red wine could be good for the gut, increasing the number of different types of helpful bacteria that can live there, according to researchers.
What wines will last 20 years? ›Typically, for red and white wines that age for 10 to 20 years, think Cabernet Sauvignon, Brunello, Barolo, red Bordeaux, Sauternes, ice wine, Semillon and German Riesling.
What is Rachael Ray's favorite wine? ›"Our favorite wine is easy. We were married in Montalcino and it's where they make Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello — and that is by far our favorite wine," Rach says.
What is Lady Gaga's favorite wine? ›Perhaps in order of preference, the singer specifies her favourite red varieties on the rider as Shiraz, Grenache, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What wine does Nancy Pelosi own? ›Celebrity | Winery/vineyard | Location |
---|---|---|
Nancy Pelosi | Zinfandel Lane Vineyard | St. Helena, California |
Pink | Two Wolves Wine | Santa Ynez Valley, California |
Andrea Pirlo | Pratum Coller Vineyard | Brescia, Italy |
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie | Chateau Miraval | Provence, France |
Varietals that don't:
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and most Rosés: They don't have the structure necessary for good aging. Wines under $15: They're made to drink now. Champagne: Though some champagnes can age well, becoming rounder, softer, and less bubbly over time, most are not meant to.
Top labels Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Armand Rousseau, Leroy and Leflaive are some of the most aspirational wines in the world to own and their small supply can command outstanding values. Four of the top ten price performers in Q2 are from the region with growth between 25% and 48% in just three months.
What is a classy red wine? ›Cabernet Sauvignon
Bold, high in acidity, savory, elegant, and dry: This is a “serious” wine, for “serious” wine drinkers. It's also a safe bet if you are ordering off a menu or buying a bottle. It may be complex—but it's also something most casual wine drinkers are used to drinking.
California is the wine capital of the United States, and by no small margin. In 2021, the state had over four times the number of wineries of the next closest state and was home to a quarter of all wineries in the nation.
What is the best wine brand in the world? ›
- 1 Familia Torres, Spain. Let us start with the winner of this year: Familia Torres from Spain. ...
- 2 Bodega Catena, Argentina. ...
- 3 Vega Sicilia, Spain. ...
- 4 Henschke, Australia. ...
- 5 Concha y Toro, Chile. ...
- 6 Penfolds, Australia. ...
- 7 Domaine de la Romanée Conti, France. ...
- 8 CVNE, Spain.
- Barefoot Wine.
- Sutter Home Wines.
- Cupcake Vineyards.
- Yellow Tail.
- Bota Box.
- Robert Mondavi Winery.
- Francis Ford Coppola.
- Josh Cellars.
1. Bien Nacido. Bien Nacido is ground zero of California's Santa Maria Valley—it is the vineyard against which all of Santa Maria is measured. It's the benchmark, crown jewel of the region.
What is the best time to visit wine country in California? ›But if you want a genuinely idyllic wine country experience, the best time to visit is in the late summer and early fall—roughly late August through mid-September—when vines are still weighed down by massive clusters of grapes and wineries are aflutter with harvest activity.
What is the best year for Cabernet Sauvignon in California? ›Another strong decade for great cabernet in California. 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2009 are considered the best vintages, producing stunning, complex red wines. But, 2006 should not be overlooked, as it created cabernets that are concentrated and age-worthy.
Does Refrigerating red wine ruin it? ›Just as you store open white wine in the refrigerator, you should refrigerate red wine after opening. Beware that more subtle red wines, like Pinot Noir, can start turning "flat" or taste less fruit-driven after a few days in the refrigerator.
Should Cabernet Sauvignon be kept cold? ›In general, the ideal temperature for full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec is between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. It's the same for fortified wines such as Port, Marsala, and Madeira. Lighter-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Grenache are better served a little cooler than that at 55 degrees.
Who produces the best red wine in the world? ›Unsurprisingly, France tops the chart as the best wine producing country. The French are the second biggest producer globally, beaten only by Italy, and are responsible for 29.5% of global wine exports each year, according to analysis from WorldsTopExports.com.
Which red wine has the most health benefits? ›Many wine experts consider pinot noir to be the healthiest red wine because it contains the highest concentration of resveratrol. Pinot noir also contains fewer calories than other red wine varieties and may be less likely to cause heartburn thanks to its relatively low tannin content.
Which brand of red wine has the most resveratrol? ›Wines such as Malbec, Petite Sirah, St. Laurent, and Pinot Noir have the highest resveratrol content. Malbec grapes have the thickest skin and, therefore, the highest content of resveratrol.
What wine is the healthiest to drink? ›
Pinot Noir is rated as the healthiest wine because of the high levels of resveratrol. It is made of grapes with thin skin, has low sugar, fewer calories, and low alcohol content. Sagrantino made in Italy contains the highest concentration of antioxidants and is packed with tannins.
Which red wine is most anti-inflammatory? ›Malbec. As an especially thick-skinned variety, Malbec claims higher antioxidant levels than other red wines especially in terms of resveratrol. This variety has two to four times the amount of anti-inflammatory, health boosting antioxidants than other popular red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Which red wine is best for blood circulation? ›Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabs contain high levels of procyanidins, which improve blood flow and reduce risk of inflammation and blood clots. They've also been linked to longer lifespans.
What happens if you drink a glass of red wine everyday? ›The claims range from how a glass a day — red wine especially — can reduce a person's risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and diabetes to how its antioxidants can help slow aging and limit stress in the brain. If you're someone who enjoys wine, this is welcome news.