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This is perhaps the most well known and widely grown grape in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon has the ability to grow in a variety of different climates from France and California to Australia and South America. It also has a hand in producing some of the best wines in the world from Bordeaux to Napa Valley.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a small berry with thick skin. Dark berry, cassis, tobacco, cedar, and warm spice are some of the primary flavors and aromas of this grape variety, while cooler climates can add notes of green pepper and olive. Since it adapts to multiple climates and soil types (although it typically likes a warmer climate), each region produces Cabernet with its own unique characteristics. Bordeaux produces an earthy, tannic Cabernet, so it is typically blended with other grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot to soften the tannins and add complexity. California and Australia produce Cabernet that has more ripe fruit flavors, often making them more approachable.

For a wine to be labeled as a single varietal, i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chardonnay, the wine must contain at least 75% of that grape varietal. Therefore, many, but not all, Cabernet Sauvignons are actually red blends. Many regions of the world produce a wide range of red blends which use Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines can range from fruity and soft to big and bold depending on the varietals used in the blend and the techniques imparted by the winemaker. Like 100% Cabernet, which can reflect not only the terroir but the style of the winemaker, each blend has its own unique flavor profile.

Cabernet Sauvignon also creates wines with the most aging potential. On average, a Cabernet has an average aging potential of 5 to 10 years, with many able to age over 20 years, which will help bring out the peak flavor of the wine.

Avalon California Cabernet Sauvignon

A good value for an everyday Cabernet.  On the nose, there are aromatics of dark stone fruits including plum and cherry with oak notes of vanilla and coffee.  This fruit forward Cabernet tastes of boysenberry jam and European dark chocolate with supple, silky tannins

Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon

A staff favorite, Earthquake Cabernet is highlighted by its soft, velvety tannins.  A very dark purple color, this wine opens with an attractive blend of mild blackberry, coffee, cinnamon, and clove-like bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, very nicely balanced, smooth, and elegant. The flavor profile is a tasty mild black currant with notes of coffee, bacon, and milk chocolate. The finish is dry with mild fine tannins.  

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet

Always a favorite, this high end Cabernet has a dark garnet color and a complex nose of boysenberry, truffles, wild game, soy and black pepper. On the palate, the wine has a silky mouth feel and an elegant, long finish with a slight tannic grip. This wine will cellar for the next 20 years under proper conditions.