9 Must Try Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons

Napa Valley has produced world-class Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1970s. The region is ideally suited to grow these vines. The climate is sunny and warm with a little morning fog that allows the grapes to ripen slowly. The volcanic soil in Napa provides good drainage and imparts an earthy, dusty taste to these wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted red wine grape in the state of California. You’ll find the epicenter in Napa County as it has the most acreage followed by San Luis Obispo County, Sonoma County, and Lodi/San Joaquin County.

Typical Flavor Profile

California Cabernet Sauvignon typically has flavors of black cherry, plum, cassis, and bell pepper along with high levels of tannins. This is a dry, full-bodied style of wine.

9 Top-Notch Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Brands

These 9 Cabernets from Napa Valley are some of the best you will find from the area. As you may know, Napa Cabernet commands high prices. With that in mind, I’ve identified top-notch Cabernet that covers a range of prices without getting too outlandish.

If you are just getting into Cabernet Sauvignon, then start with the more reasonably priced Decoy. This brand is actually part of the Duckhorn Vineyards wine offerings. The Duckhorn label is crafted with the highest quality. The Decoy label is crafted as a value brand. This means you'll get great quality for the price.

If you already enjoy Cabernet and are looking for something new, then check out the boutique wineries of Round Pond and Del Dotto. They produce phenomenal wine that doesn’t disappoint.

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1) Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, $78

Rated: 92 Wilfred Wong

2) Decoy Limited Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, $30

Rated: 90 Wilfred Wong

3) The Prisoner Wine Company Cuttings 2017, $55

Rated: 94 Wilfred Wong

4) Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, $45

Rated: 92 James Suckling

5) Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, $53

Rated: 94 Decanter

6) Stags’ Leap Winery Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, $75

Rated: 94 Wilfred Wong

7) Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, $60

Rated: 92 James Suckling

8) Round Pond Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, $75

9) Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, $75

Find all 9 wine brands here:

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon on Wine.com

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Summary

Really great Cabernet Sauvignon is so important to have in your arsenal. Get to know these wines and identify a few as your go-tos. That way you’ll always feel confident in selecting a wine that will elevate your food pairing experience whether dining at home or in a restaurant. Enjoy! Cheers!