We love this heavy-duty, thick-skinned grape with its full-bodied, well-structured, punchy character and because of this hardy nature, you can find Cabernet Sauvignon pretty much everywhere.
Today, we’re focusing on the key styles as we embark on a globetrotting adventure through France, Chile, USA, Argentina, and Australia. We’ve got two of the best options from each to present you with, one representing incredible value, and the other giving you the chance to splash out on something special. Let’s dive into the purple pool of Cabernet Sauvignon.
FRANCE
Domaine de la Baume Cabernet Sauvignon Les Thermes 2020
This is a captivating 100% Cabernet Sauvignon ruby red bursting with blackberries and blackcurrants against a woody, coffee bean backdrop. The structure, elegance and cosy character of this wine is exceptional, especially for the price, and it’s also delicious alongside fancy cheese.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99
Les Mougeottes Cabernet Sauvignon
A warming hug of a wine, this Les Mougeottes Cab is moreish well rounded and full-bodied, but does retain a certain lightness. A bright bouquet of oaky vanilla invites on the nose, before the smooth mouthfeel reveals blackberries, plum and dashes of coffee and subtle tobacco. Silky and sophisticated.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £11.75
CHILE
Diablo Black Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep, intense, and full of personality, this Maule Valley Cab is aged in a combination of French and American Oak barrels. The results is pretty remarkable for the price – a delicious inky red layered up with dark wood, tobacco, vanilla and rich fruits that linger. So, so silky too – a must try for a tenner.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10
Ventisquero Grey Glacier Cabernet Sauvignon
This Chilean gem boasts a dark ruby hue with a violet touch, delivering a symphony of flavours from plums to blueberries, and a touch of wet leather for that intriguing edge. The party continues with dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of black pepper on the palate, embraced all the way by robust tannins. Complexity wise, this is a real benchmark and whilst the initial intensity isn’t as strong as some, it just gets better and better.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £17.95
USA
Apothic Red Cabernet Sauvignon
Time for some American Cab now. Picture jammy dark fruits and vanilla essence silkily entwining as the Cabernet and Zinfandel grapes combine. There is subtle smokiness, but this liquid is all about the oaky, vanilla and dark fruits riding on that wonderfully smooth texture.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.50 (usually more!)
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Meet this Napa Valley superstar, deep, rich, and full of intrigue. Aged in French oak for 16 months, the woody vanilla is tantalising. A flurry of dark cherries, blackberries and a little kick of spice fill the palate, with a supremely balanced profile and lingering peppery finish. Exquisite.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £18.49
ARGENTINA
Vinalba Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Over to Mendoza for a punchy and powerful expression now, with Vinalba Reserve. rafted by the winemaking virtuoso Hervé J Fabre, the nose is a classic blackcurrant symphony with hints of cherry and a spicy plum cameo. Its palate is a red carpet of rich blackcurrant flavours, leading to a smooth, juicy, and delicately spicy finale that leaves you wanting to return for another sip straight away. Fantastic alongside hearty stews or venison. Serious bang for buck with this bottle.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £11
Luigi Bosca de Sangre 2020
There’s a reason we reference Luigi Bosca a lot, and that’s because the portfolio is just superb. This suave Cab really is one of the best out there, brimming with black fruit swagger, comforting peppery warmth, silky tannins, and a powerful, full-bodied punch. The centuries of craftsmanship in this family business are in every drop and it’s so difficult to go wrong with this.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.3%
Find here: £21
AUSTRALIA
McGuigan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’re hunting for value, then this is a must try. Hailing from New South Wales, it’s vibrant and fruit-forward, particularly with ripe blackcurrants. Classic oaky vanilla provides support, as well as juicy cherry and trademark silky tannins. There aren’t any major shocks, this is just gloriously well-rounded and loveable Cabernet Sauvignon from Down Under.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.75
Bird in Hand
Straight from the Adelaide Hills is this interesting Australian Cab, with explorative notes of plum and blackcurrant, but also a violet florality and nuanced flavoursome oak. The elegance and structure are to die for, with generous depth framed by lush, long tannins. The fruits are juicy, but with touches of sourness and acidity that round everything off brilliantly. A true stand out and such a treat.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £15
Prefer a glass of Pinot? You’re in luck because we’ve just been settling on our favourites for 2023 here!