Cabernet Sauvignon is a staple in our house. I think it’s a universally palette-please red and most of our friends and family enjoy it.
Below are six that I love to keep on hand at home. I believe these are real crowd-pleasers; equally great for enjoying on their own, with a simple dinner or an elaborate feast. I also feel confident bringing any of these to someone’s home. Even though each person has their own flavor preferences, I much prefer to bring a wine I’ve tried and loved because it feels more personal than just grabbing a random bottle at the store.
I shop at my local Total Wine in Redondo Beach and listed the current prices there, but I know prices can vary widely depending on where you live.
I’ve provided some tasting notes from the winery if available, or from Total Wine’s description – as it feels more legitimate than my own tasting notes. Of course, the best wine is wine that you like to drink so you’ll have to taste for yourself.
Crimson Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
$15.99
Winery’s Tasting Notes: This dry yet fruit forward Cabernet showcases lovely aromas and flavors of blackberries, red fruit, oak, and spice. Smooth tannins provide structure all the way through to the wine’s delicate and expressive finish.
Ranch 32 Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
$17.99
Winery Description: Our 2016 vintage shows the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Southern, more protected parts of Monterey County. It delivers blackberries, plums and currants with traces of mocha and violet. On the palate, it is deep, lush and fruity with balanced acidity and perfectly integrated tannins.
Blue Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
$17.99
Winery’s Description: A powerful Monterrey cabernet, with intense aromatics. Notes of blackberry jam and boysenberry combine with subtle flavors allspice and coriander. Nicely integrated tannins lead to a smooth finish.
Daou Cabernet Paso Robles, 2017
$20.97
Winery’s Tasting Notes: A wine of complexity and depth with a purity of fruit and subtle layers of flavors and texture that harmonize and enhance. This wine displays black cherry, Zante currant, plum and blackberry up front, complemented by dark chocolate, tobacco leaf and cool menthol.
Full description and tasting notes here
Seven Rings Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll, Napa 2017
$34.99
Tasting Notes: Delivers a rich texture with flavors of plum, cassis, spice, and vanilla notes. Seven Rings is an outstanding example of the quality and value that continues to flow from California wineries.
1858 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
$34.99
Tasting Notes: Dark fruit including black cherry and plum hit the front of the palate. Baking spice, with touches of vanilla and oak accompany the fruit while adding layers of complexity. Balanced with light acidity and fine tannins on the finish.