34 Best Cabernet Sauvignons For Thrifters & Splurgers In 2023
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Are you looking for the ideal wine to accompany your special dinner or celebration? Then a Cabernet Sauvignon will be perfect for you! But if you’re unsure what type of cab to buy, here are some suggestions.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular type of dry wine that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It's widely considered the best type of red wine, and it's also one of the most expensive wines on the market.
Everyone has a different budget for wine. Some people aim to spend as little as possible, while others are willing to splurge on their favorite beverage. Whichever you decide, you will appreciate our list of the best cabernet sauvignons that suit your budget!
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall - Château Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan 2016• Consistent high ratings |
Best Value - Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon 2018• Most affordable |
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Best Splurge - Lokoya Winery Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016• Highest critic scores |
Best Cabernet Sauvignons Under $15
1. Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This best Cabernet Sauvignon is produced with grapes grown in California's warmer Lodi regions. The taste sneaks up on you and grabs your tongue, but it doesn't just stop there.
This wine also has a sustainable production process that feels more expensive than what the price tag says! Avalon's Cabernet Sauvignon offers a fruit-forward, balanced nose with spice, mocha, and vanilla hints.
The palate is vibrant and expressive, characterized by luscious black cherries notes joined by red raspberry and plum flavors on the finish for an elegant experience! Enjoy this bottle by itself or pair it with your comfort foods like burgers, pizza, or chicken!
2. Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This best cabernet sauvignon is a must-buy for anyone looking to add an affordable but quality bottle to their cellar. The flavor profile offers a lovely medium fruit with just enough oak so that the acidity doesn't make it too heavy, and you can sip on this all night long without getting bored!
This great wine has a beautiful ruby red color that is intense. The aroma offers up fresh fruits, such as plums, cherries, raspberries, and black currants mixed in with licorice and white pepper notes to give it extra complexity.
On the palate, you'll find that the acidity balances out very nicely with its alcohol content which results in a delightfully well-balanced finish! This wine's personality captivates you from start to finish - making for one memorable experience.
3. Bonterra Organically Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Lavish and luscious, this red wine is full of life. Tasting notes include cherry, currant, and raspberry with hints of toasted oak on the nose. It is medium-bodied and has good structure and balance, with a satisfying and lingering finish.
Bonterra has been committed to quality wines for more than 20 years, and they have done so without using pesticides. As early as 1987, Bonterra was already an organic winemaker. This 2018 cab is an inspired feat after being one of the originators in this field since then!
4. Cecchi La Mora Maremma Toscana 2015
Now is an undoubtedly fantastic time to stock up on Tuscan wines. The best bargains right now are in Maremma, Tuscany's third most popular DOC region.
The La Mora Maremma Toscana DOC Rosso is a vibrant wine originating from Italy's Maremma region's warm, sun-drenched vineyards. The fruity flavors and intense taste are reminiscent of its Mediterranean roots with Cabernet Sauvignon combined with Merlot.
The 2015 Cecchi La Mora Maremma Toscana Rosso is a wine that will satisfy your palate and senses.
The taste of the red cherries, other berries, spice notes, and smoke create an inviting aroma before you even take a sip. Once in the mouth, it's smooth and vibrant. It is medium-bodied and has a dry and lasting finish.
5. Falesco Tellus Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
A solid choice for a wine enthusiast looking for a budget price, this 100% estate fruit is an excellent option. It offers blueberry and cranberry aromas with a medium body that's ready to drink now. The flavors of currant are lovely, while the sweet black plum tastes surprisingly long-lasting.
The moderate climate and high elevation of this winery make for an exciting combination. The ripe black fruits with herbaceous notes complement hearty foods like lamb, steak, or burger.
6. Taylors Wakefield Promised Land Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The best cabernet sauvignon is crimson red. When you first take in the aroma, it's hard to decide whether this will be an experience where you feel like sharing or keeping for yourself - but once your taste buds get involved, they know there's no question: You're going to want this wine all to yourself!
The first sniff of this wine is unmistakably spicy with its red currant, plum, and a hint of spice. On the palate is the taste of juicy black currant mixed with subtle coffee notes and savory cedar flavors that give way to a smooth finish that coats the buds gently.
The diversity in flavor profiles makes it uniquely flavorful while being approachable for any occasion or palate type!
Best Cabernet Sauvignons Under $20
7. Flat Top Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
From the renowned Mondavi family of winemakers comes this delicious and shockingly affordable Cabernet, which combines robust flavors from grapes sourced from Paso Robles and Monterey coast to Yolo County. Their bottles offer excellent value due to their savory taste!
This best cabernet sauvignon is rich, smooth, and velvety with the perfect balance of blue and black fruit notes coupled with deep flavors of vanillas and cocoa powders.
The tannins are perfectly integrated to make for an incredibly long finish that leaves you wanting more! Pair this wine with your favorite steak or chop dish, whether blue cheeseburgers or rosemary braised lamb shanks.
8. Angulo Innocenti Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
The dark ruby red Angulo Innocenti Cabernet Sauvignon shows that the Mendoza region is not only about its Malbec.
The wine offers a beautiful, complex experience with concentrated flavors of deep fruit, light mint notes, and sweet spices with a smooth texture imparted by finely grained tannins. A perfect addition to any occasion!
The wine is dry but also weightier than expected for the body of this red. On the palate, there are spicy plums and berries accompanied by bell pepper notes. At the same time, it feels tight on the finish; an interesting peppery spice lingers in your mouth long after you've tasted it!
9. Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This Chilean wine is one of the best values that America has to offer. A beautiful and earthy Cabernet Sauvignon, its aromas are complex but dominated by black plum and spicy notes.
The wine's soft and round tannins are a result of the Mediterranean macroclimate. It has fruit-forward flavors that pair well with red meats such as beef, duck, lamb, or some veggies like mushrooms and squash!
10. Aia Vecchia Lagone Toscana 2016
Cabernet Franc is the perfect addition that took this blend to the next level. It brightens up the Cab Sauv and adds juiciness that complements the Merlot, giving it an earthiness while not weighing down your palate.
The deep ruby wine has a delicate and complex aroma with notes of cherry, vanilla, and a surprise of beef and herbs. The taste is dry yet structured for an elegant finish that reveals plum, cherries, berries, and some spices.
This versatile drink pairs well as the perfect complement to red meats and white meat dishes or even pasta!
11. Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The California Cabernet is a wine that offers both standards and affordability. It's the perfect choice for those who don't want to go broke but still enjoy an excellent drink without sacrificing flavor or richness, which most wines in this price point offer.
Martini's Cabernet Sauvignon has a long history of excellence, dating back to founder Louis M. Martini who believed in the premise that only the best grapes make the best wines. Their selection is only from prestigious vineyards in Sonoma County.
This wine is a lush and fruity red, with blackberry and cherry notes. The finish has savory hints that make it juicy and full-bodied in just the right way for your next meal!
12. Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The Ancient Peaks Cabernet 2016 might be the most fun, exciting wine on this list. It offers Bordeaux-like notes of leather and tobacco, which is augmented by a slightly wild game flavor.
This Paso Robles winery has made an excellent wine uniquely their own but still new and outstanding. The wine offers a complex aroma of red and black fruit with an undertone of black olive, pencil shavings, toasted oak, and tobacco.
It's smooth on the palate, offering layers of flavor reminiscent of blueberry and plum alongside grainy tannins that add depth structure while finishing long-lasting.
Best Cabernet Sauvignons Under $25
13. Experience Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
This affordable wine is perfect for accompanying your more relaxing moments. It's crafted by husband and wife duo Catherine and Travis Vale, aged in French oak barrels, barrel-fermented to capture Napa's brilliance this season.
This wine is a deep and dark ruby color that draws the eye. The aroma offers up hints of anise, mocha, and oak from barrel fermentation before unveiling sweeter notes like blackberries and black cherries.
This complex flavor profile carries over into a long-lasting finish with velvety texture for your enjoyment!
14. Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
You'll be surprised by the quality of this Cabernet because you can still taste its expensive structure and aroma but only pay half as much for it.
It doesn't have the same texture or textured feel a fine wine would offer, but its soft tannins are well integrated into every glass to make an unforgettable experience.
This wine is luscious with dark berries, velvety plum, and a hint of chocolate. The barrel aging makes the tannins silky smooth for an elegant finish.
15. Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The Coonawarra region of Australia is the Napa Valley equivalent when it comes to Cabernet. Penley Estate's Phoenix sets a high standard for producing affordable wines with outstanding flavor and standards.
This vintage offers a bouquet of dark fruits with hints of oak. The flavors are well-balanced between the solid fruity notes and earthy complexity, refreshing in its crispness while still having a body for any meal.
16. Tenuta Sette Cieli ‘Yantra’ Toscana 2018
The wine came from the winery Tenuta Sette Cieli, or "The Estate of Seven Skies." The name is derived from the magnificent view atop the tiny estate overlooks Bolgheri and is named for this scenic landscape that can be seen nearly 1300 ft. above sea level.
Their Yantra 2018 is drawn off the high ground in Bolgheri using Bordeaux varietals just like Sassicaia does; however, it provides an entirely different experience with its delicate aromas and flavors.
It is also much more price-friendly than its neighbors, whose prices can go as high as three digits.
It has a crowd-pleasing taste that is bursting with juicy hints of black cherries, licorice, red fruits, and spice. This wine's flavor profile is perfect for the nighttime. You can drink this now or wait it out and let its flavors mature with age.
Best Cabernet Sauvignons Under $50
17. Long Meadow Ranch Farmstead Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This best cabernet sauvignon is one of the most balanced Cabernets from Napa Valley on this list. If you love an exceptionally balanced wine that doesn't have a solid and intense oak or vanilla, then here it is!
The fruit isn't overbearing but has focused well with hints of tannin in your mouth. It's young yet mature already - meaning you can enjoy it now while it ages beautifully for years to come!
The wine's nose is full of black cherry, cassis, violets, and spice. Bright red berry flavors are present on the front palate alongside a subtle tannins structure for support. A touch of sweet barrel toast lingers in every sip with a satisfying finish that will make you want to drink more!
With its complexity and delightful flavor profile, this wine would pair well with grass-fed beef or lamb as well as roasted game meat dishes such as rabbit or duck breast.
18. Gundlach-Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This wine is a throwback to the age of old California! It's deep, soulful, and has just enough oak. Not only does it have a relatively high alcohol content, but all its flavors are in harmony as well.
A lavishly flavored wine, this Cabernet has a mouth-watering aroma of fresh blackberry and Bing cherry spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon bark. Upon tasting it, we find its medium body supple but well-rounded on the palate. Dark plum meatiness shines through in harmony with mocha notes while undertones of earthy cedar fill out the flavor profile. This youthful vintage will develop magnificently over time yet still provide an enjoyable experience due to finesse, as demonstrated by 2016's crop.
19. Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This wine is one the best simply because it will always be consistently outstanding, year after year. Made from iconic Napa Valley appellations, Oakville and Stags Leap, this Cabernet Sauvignon represents everything that makes up a classic wine of its area.
It is full-bodied and fruity, loaded with firm tannins and subtle spice for just about any occasion at an affordable price!
The 2016 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a taste of blackberry fruit in-depth and complexity. This wine is full of juicy goodness with an added structure that complements its intensity through dusty tannins with spices from clove and cardamom on the palate.
20. Eberle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
The Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is an elegant and balanced wine with aromas of black cherry, cassis with hints of mint chocolates. The palate-coating flavors are tart and juicy, supported by subtle tannins to make for a long lingering finish.
The Eberle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine for any occasion. It goes well with barbequed ribs to the classic oven-roasted lamb loin or even braised short ribs.
21. Niner Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This wine has a big, bold taste and an acidity that keeps things lively on the palate. It's kind of thick for a Californian Cabernet, and it has aromas of blackberries and earth. Tannins are present as well, but they're seamlessly integrated into this wine to provide structure.
Niner Estate's latest vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect wine to accompany your next meal. With a taste that lingers on dark cherry flavors, this elegant and finessed cab will be sure to please all palates with its natural acidity.
22. Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This dark ruby wine has a sweet taste. The flavors such as blackberry, boysenberry, and Bing cherry dominate with nuances of milk chocolate, chocolate berry truffle dusted with cocoa powder, and aromatic cedar.
Herbs de Provence adds to the overall complexity of the drink by giving it an earthy flavor that you can't resist!
The wine is heavy and rich with a velvety texture. The fruity taste of dark cherry will linger on your tongue as the tannins fade away to leave you feeling pleasantly full.
23. Mazzei Philip Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Chianti Classico's ancient Tuscan wine-producing region meets the newly discovered Maremma area in this elegant, full-bodied red. The old and the new are utilized to make a balanced wine that will please any palate.
This cab has a dark purple color with intriguing black cherry aromas. It is also filled with balsamic herbs and coffee notes that are intertwined alongside the toasted oak flavors.
Black fruit dominates this flavor profile with some dried flowers, chocolate, and vanilla in an exotic tasting experience just waiting for exploration from start to finish. This complex and full-bodied bottle leaves a velvety smooth finish.
24. Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Rodney Strong's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is made by hand from the finest hillside vineyards in Sonoma County. The wines are aged only in the finest French oak barrels, ensuring outstanding quality.
This wine is lush and vibrant. The first flavor that stands out is the dark plum, followed by blackberries and cassis, all balanced with a slight touch of oak on this lingering finish.
25. Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende R Pauillac 2015
This bottle is a stable example of the quality that Pauillac produces. Wines from this sub-region are excellent because they drink well young and age for an even longer time.
This wine has an intense ruby color. The aroma of figs, black pepper, and cocoa powder fills your nose as you drink it. It's a powerful blend with its well-integrated tannins. It finishes off with notes of licorice that will leave you wanting more after finishing a glass.
26. Dueling Pistols Paso Robles Red Blend 2016
The blending of unexpected varietals and skillful aging makes this wine a masterpiece. Petite Sirah is known as one of the smallest planted grape varieties globally, and its intense tannic structure can be challenging.
This cab acts as a buffer by subduing intense flavors with its smoothness, making for a balance when combined.
The inky purple wine offers a taste of dark fruit and floral notes with hints of spices. It starts sweet, but the tannins on the mid-palate are balanced by the softness that leads to a long and lasting finish. This bottle pairs well with roasted chicken or steak!
Best Cabernet Sauvignons To Splurge On
27. Château Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan 2016
The creativity of the 2016 Château Pape Clément is simply unparalleled. The winery behind this masterpiece has been in existence for over 700 years, a testament to their quality wines.
It's operated by esteemed French winemaker Bernard Magrez to ensure a truly luxurious experience that you wouldn’t want to resist!
This wine is a beautiful and enchanting combination of flavors. It features dark fruits, cherry, and fig with hints of black truffles, earth, tobacco, and a surprise of mocha-infused oak spices.
This explosive vintage is medium to full-bodied and has delicate tannins which create an elegant finish. At the same time, its silky fruit slowly slides off your palate in one delightful burst after another.
28. Château Batailley Grand Cru Classé 2015
This wine is a rare find. It has an inviting soul, a full body with elegant flavors. It also won't hurt your wallet with it being under $100 - perfect for many connoisseurs!
The acidity in this Pauillac will keep you content while its tannins hold together its impeccable structure to create a pleasurable drink that pairs well with most meals.
This wine is dark purple-red with a violet hue and black core. Aromas of rich berry flavors are both sweet on the nose and tart in their deep flavor profile.
This complexity continues onto the palate, where you can feel spiciness alongside an array of fruit notes: from elderberries to mulberries. It all leads into a long aftertaste experience with lingering spicy elements yet finishes mellow for such potent sensations.
29. Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
For almost 50 years, the Duncan family has been dedicated to making perfect wines. Their property in Alexander Valley is worth a visit for any wine lover so that you can experience their LEED Certified Platinum winery and taste their delicious cab from Alexander Valley!
The first thing you'll notice about a Silver Oak bottle is the deep, oak flavors that fill your mouth. On top of this are hints of blackberry and cassis with a finish reminiscent of a juicy clementine fruit.
This wine will be perfect for sipping while sitting around an open fire pit in winter or keeping company with friends over Thanksgiving dinner!
30. Clos du Val Winemaker's Signature Series Three Graces Red Blend 2016
This is an incredible bottle with brooding dark berry and smoked salt aromas. In terms of structure, it's the definition of full-bodied with seamless tannins still folding into the wine.
Clos du Val is a perfect example of how Napa Valley is highly maintained in producing excellent bottles. This blend is composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Cabernet Franc and a small addition of Petit Verdot.
It has aromas that include freshly turned earth as well as violets and cassis. The dustiness from the rocks plays on your palate, with concentrated layers of black fruit transitioning to pepper spice in the finish for an elegant touch.
31. Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Heitz Cellars is a prime example of Napa Valley's premier winemakers. Their flagship bottle, Martha's Vineyard Cabernet, was aged five years in French Limousin oak barrels and was made with intensely purple grape berries from an exclusive Oakville vineyard situated within its unique micro-climate.
This means that every vintage since 1966 has been coveted by collectors, but 2014 was particularly good for this particular blend as well!
This great cabernet blend will make your mouth water with its dark chocolate and raspberry flavors, giving the wine a sweet taste. The best part is that it has tannins so smooth you could drink this 50 years from now!
32. Lokoya Winery Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The Lokoya Mount Veeder wine is a delicacy that will make any palette tingle. Combine the best of Napa Valley's mountain climate, rich soils, and expert winemaking from Lokoya's artisan for grape production – Christopher Carpenter - this indulgence is sure to please!
This is an example of the perfect cab. It has a fruity aroma with blueberry, violet, and blackberries mixed in with truffle flavorings to make it richer.
The tannins taste like they grip your mouth as you drink this wine while simultaneously refusing to let go, which ensures that every glass deliciously lingers on your tongue long after swallowing.
33. Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
In this South Australian multi-regional blend, you'll find grapes from the country's cooler climates. For a whole year, maturing in French and American oak has created this deep wine worth crossing oceans to taste!
Sip this red wine with the aromas of blackberry compote and on-the-vine tomato leaf. The body is medium to light. Wispy tannins taste delicious against flavors of black currant, cherry, and nutty mocha that will only get better over time!
34. Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This wine has an impeccable balance of power and elegance. The depth of fruit combined with a well-integrated tannin makes this one powerful yet elegant bottle from Napa Valley!
It is intense but not overbearing, allowing for its vibrant acidity to flow through it smoothly without overpowering any already present flavors in this complex blend.
The flavors of cherry and raspberry are supported with cocoa, hazelnut, and Earl Grey taste. Black pepper and cedar complement the freshness of this wine nicely.
The unique taste of blackberry sorbet joins plum sauce and strawberry jam, bringing together a solid and bright experience.
Conclusion
Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent wine for special occasions and everyday drinking. This wine’s price varies from budget to pricey options, so there is a perfect fit for everyone. We hope this blog helped you select the suitable one for you.
Did we miss anything? Which best cabernet sauvignon do you think should be included on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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