Red wine· Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Chile
What does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?
Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of bold reds: rich, structured, and built to age. Expect dark fruit like blackcurrant and blackberry, layered with notes of cedar, tobacco, and a firm tannic grip.
At a glance
The breakdown
A typical profile for Cabernet Sauvignon. Individual bottles vary.
Fruit
01Concentrated dark fruit, especially blackcurrant — a flavor often called 'cassis'.
Body
02Full
Acidity
03Medium-High
Tannins
04High
Flavor profile
- Blackcurrant (cassis)
- Black cherry and blackberry
- Cedar and tobacco
- Vanilla and baking spice
- Firm, grippy tannins
Who will like it
Lovers of bold, structured reds who enjoy wine with a serious backbone.
On the nose
Common aromas
These aromas can appear in Cabernet Sauvignon. They also occur in other wines.
In plain English
“If Malbec is a hug, Cabernet is a handshake. It's bigger, firmer, and has more grip — that drying feeling on your gums is the tannin. Pair it with fatty food and watch it transform.”
At the table
Food pairings
Foods to try with Cabernet Sauvignon, depending on the bottle and preparation.
- 01Ribeye and prime rib
- 02Lamb chops
- 03Hard aged cheeses
- 04Grilled portobello mushrooms
- 05Dark chocolate desserts
Useful next step
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Open up the wine
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Taste it for yourself
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Adjacent
Similar wines
If you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, these are worth exploring next.
Malbec
Malbec is usually a dry, full-bodied red with blackberry, black plum, dark cherry, violet, and cocoa flavors. Argentine examples often feel ripe and smooth, while Cahors Malbec can be firmer, earthier, and more savory.
Merlot
Merlot is the smoothest big red — soft, plummy, and easy to drink with no rough edges. It's everything you love about Cabernet, with the volume turned down a notch.
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah and Shiraz are names for the same grape. The wines often suggest blackberry, plum, pepper or savory aromas, with medium to full body and noticeable tannin. Region and winemaking shape how fresh, ripe or rich a bottle feels.
A natural next step
If you liked Cabernet Sauvignon, try…
Napa Cabernet
Napa Valley Cabernet is the New World benchmark — opulent, powerful, and polished. Expect ripe blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and lavish oak, all wrapped in plush, mouth-coating tannins.
Rioja
Rioja is Spain's most famous red wine region, best known for Tempranillo blends. Expect savory cherry, dried fig, and signature notes of vanilla, dill, and coconut from American oak aging.
Chianti
Chianti is Tuscany's signature red, made primarily from Sangiovese. It's bright, savory, and built for food — think tart cherry, tomato leaf, and a refreshing acidity that begs for pasta.
In the wild
Where to find this wine
Found nearly everywhere. Napa Valley delivers ripe, opulent versions; Bordeaux offers more restraint; Chile is great value.
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The closing pour
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