Cabernet Sauvignon is a thick-skinned, black grape producing the most classic, age worthy (and needing of aging) red wines. Typically has flavors of fresh herbs (often quite pronounced), cedar, cassis, mint, black currant, and violets. Usually full-bodied wines, cabernet is often astringent when young due to mouth puckering tannins (a product of the grape skins that helps wine age).
Cabernet Sauvignon is found in many locales, most notably in California and red Bordeaux -- particularly in the Medoc, including Pauillac, St. Julien and the famous classified growth Bordeaux -- and is labeled cabernet sauvignon in South America, Australia, Italy and Washington. It's also in Italy's "Super-Tuscan" wines but usually not labeled cabernet.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - California - Napa
Deep garnet color. A rich bouquet of dark cherry, cocoa, clove, plum, tobacco and toasted oak, with delicate notes of coffee and truffle. Layered and complex. Rich and full on the palate with a supple mouthfeel and opulent layers of plum, cherry, anise, and mocha. Smooth and concentrated, the wine exhibits richly woven texture with dark, dense fruit on the long finish.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: South Africa - Coastal Region - Stellenbosch
Matured for 12 months in oak, this wine serves up a fresh bouquet of currant, cut cedar and licorice, followed on the palate by spicy, lifted flavors of dark berry, blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of dark chocolate, with impressive tannic grip on the finish. Though quite drinkable now, this clearly has the structure to reward bottle aging. -- Ben Giliberti
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - California - Paso Robles
Ruby-red core to a cherry-red rim, this young Cabernet displays generous fruit in the nose. Some sweet black and red fruits, like blackberry, raspberry and fig, mingle with caramel and vanilla from the American oak. The entry is soft, mouth coating and filled with delicious red berry and sweet black plum. The wine itself is dry and palate filling, with a soft but well-structured, velvet finish. Tannins are modest but present in this youthful but approachable Cabernet Sauvignon.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - California
WA 90
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve explodes from the glass with black fruit, grilled herbs, licorice, smoke and tar. The Grand Reserve reveals tons of energy and exceptional overall balance. In 2009 the blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, all from the Alexander Mountain Estate Vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. I must say I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Kendall-Jackson. Qualitatively the wine are head and shoulders above the vast majority of what is available in the same price points, but what amazes me most is Kendall-Jackson's ability to achieve such a high average level of quality with production levels that are truly eye-popping. In 2010, which was not an abundant year, Kendall-Jackson produced nearly 2,000,000 cases of the flagship Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay. This is a brilliant showing from winemaker Randy Ullom and his team comprised of Matthew Smith (reds) and Mark Theis (whites). Tel. (800) 769-3649; www.kj.com
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - California
Opens with deep black cherry, blackberry and cassis flavors. Intense, round and well-structured tannins provide a strong backbone throughout the middle. Cedar and vanilla notes linger on the finish, beckoning another sip.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - California - Paso Robles
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of black cherry, plum and violets, followed by subtle flavors of strawberry and allspice. Firm yet supple tannins finish off this approachable fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon, making it ideal for a variety of food pairings.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: Chile - Central Valley - Colchagua Valley
The 2010 Los Vascos Grande Reserve could give a number of well-known classified growths a run for their money. This impeccably made wine opens with a made-in-Pauillac nose of cedar, crushed stone, and toasty vanilla oak. On the palate, the artfully sculpted fruit of cassis, earth, and red berry, is densely layered, smooth and complex, with excellent cut and lift toward the crisply tannic finish. Although this wine has the structure to age for 3 to 5 years, drinking it now is a pleasure. The 2010 Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon Grande Reserve is made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carmenère, 10% Syrah, and 5% Malbec.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: Australia - South Australia - McLaren Vale
Deep crimson, with brick red hues. the 2008 Jester Cabernet shows liquorice, nutmeg and cassis notes which provide a lift to the subtle hints of French oak. Well rounded on the palate, the firm tannins are complemented by nuances of chocolate, blackcurrant and earth. Food Match: Morrocan style lamb curry with eggplant and chickpeas