Cabernet Sauvignon! The 2023 Guide To The Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

Reverse Wine Snob reveals all the top value picks below including which wines to buy now! Read on for our Guide to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon, the "King" of grapes! Yet not all Cabernet is created equal. This variety is probably grown in more places in the world than any other variety and while it is relatively easy to grow, it is also a late ripening grape that can lead to difficulties in colder climates (i.e. lots of "green" flavors in the wine).

A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, Cab Sauvignon is known for its distinct dark berry flavors, good tannins and spice. One of the things we love so much about this variety is how well it marries with oak aging. Yet even though all Cab has some common characteristics, it's a fascinating and highly enjoyable experience to compare examples from different regions.

Napa Valley, California and Bordeaux, France (where it forms the base for many of the famous Bordeaux blends, particularly on the Left Bank) are probably the two most well-known regions for this grape, but that also means that these areas often command a premium price. And while we're always looking for a great deal on a Cab from places like Rutherford or Stags Leap (in Napa) or Pauillac (in Bordeaux), a great strategy for Reverse Wine Snobs is to look for areas that aren't quite as well known.

For Cabernet that means places like Lake County and the Sierra Foothills in California; Wahluke Slope, Red Mountain and Walla Walla in Washington State; Adelaide Hills and Coonawarra in South Australia; Maule Valley and Colchagua Valley in Chile; the rest of Bordeaux in France and good old Mendoza in Argentina.

Another cost saving strategy in finding the best Cabernet Sauvignon under $20 is to look for Cab-based blends. This variety makes an excellent blending partner with lots of other varieties, and just like when making a good stew or soup, the whole is often greater than the sum of the parts. Varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot blend beautifully with Cabernet.

We cover all these and more in our giant list as well as a few over $20 "Saturday Splurges" for when you want to spend a little more. You can also sign up for our special report Five Cabernet Under $20 to Buy RIGHT NOW to make your shopping super easy!

Keep reading for our picks as the best Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly) under $20!

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