Cabernet Sauvignon Wine from California

Compared to wines from cooler regions like Cabernet from Bordeaux, California Cabernet Sauvignon showcases a distinct character shaped by its warm climate. Here, the grapes achieve full ripeness, resulting in wines with softer tannins, lower acidity and a luscious, fruit-forward profile. The hallmark style of California Cabernet is rich, opulent and layered with hints of baking spices, often revealing:

• Black cherry

• Black currant

• Blackberry

• Plum

• Licorice

• Vanilla

• Black pepper

Selecting a high-quality California Cabernet Sauvignon can be challenging, given the vast array of styles and price points available. To find the best quality, the most important thing to consider is the wine’s overall balance, as this is a hallmark of excellence for any grape variety or style of wine.

Exceptional California Cabernet Sauvignons will always have a harmonious integration of ripe fruit, well-structured tannins, vibrant acidity and measured alcohol, ensuring no single element overshadows the others. Wines where alcohol becomes overly prominent or fruit flavors veer toward excessive levels of sweetness may indicate that they originate from a warm climate, where achieving balanced acidity and tannin can be more difficult. Conversely, wines from cooler regions may exhibit green or herbal characteristics, signaling under-ripened grapes, as well as tannins that are more pronounced and austere.

The cost of California Cabernet Sauvignon is deeply influenced by land values. Napa Valley, with its near-perfect conditions for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, commands some of the highest agricultural land prices globally, which translates to premium wine prices. Entry-level Napa Valley Cabernets typically begin at approximately $30 per bottle, while the most iconic wines can run into thousands of dollars for a single bottle. Nevertheless, excellent examples of California Cabernet Sauvignon can be found without the need for extravagant spending.

Within the North Coast, regions such as Alexander Valley in Sonoma and Los Carneros, which spans both Napa and Sonoma, are renowned for producing Cabernets that are simultaneously elegant and structurally robust. Cooler climates, including Mendocino and Lake County, also yield well-balanced, high-quality wines at more accessible price points.

Further south, Paso Robles on the Central Coast has solidified its reputation as a premier source of top-tier Cabernet Sauvignon. Additionally, richly fruited examples can be discovered in the historic vineyards of Lodi. Moving down the coast to Santa Barbara, the regions directly to its north offer intriguing opportunities for exploring compelling California Cabernet Sauvignon.

Shop our diverse range of California Cabernet Sauvignon wines to discover some delicious new favorites.

California Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent match for richly flavored dishes. Traditional pairings include succulent steaks, hearty prime rib, juicy burgers, pasta with savory tomato-based sauces, lamb chops, and BBQ favorites like beef or pork ribs. It also pairs beautifully with flavorful vegetarian options like creamy mushroom risotto or enchiladas. Additionally, it complements a variety of cheeses, particularly semi-hard types or a sharp aged cheddar.