Top Picks for Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas of cumin, toasted walnut, marinated beef, and cedar with an fat body and an intricate, medium-long blackberry thicket, pink peppercorns, smoked tea, and minerals finish with leafy, woody, chewy tannins and moderate oak. A complex and substantial Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon with surprising depth, terroir and nuance; this could easily pass for a second growth Bordeaux.

Black garnet color. Elegant aromas of ripe cassis, dark chocolate coated coconut, rose petals, caramel, and roasted nuts with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, complex, very long ripe blueberries, hibiscus, pomegranate, and leather patina finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak. A knockout, endless Coombsville cab that is ready to drink or for a slumber in the cellar.

Dark garnet color. Aromas of blackberry, black currant, mint, and coffee with a soft, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, captivating, medium-long , bittersweet chocolate, and cedar finish with well-integrated tannins. An elegant, refined yet complex and powerful Paso Cabernet.

Awards: 2017 Top 3 Best Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of dried berries, leather, gherkin and castelvetrano olives, and toasty pie crust with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, nuanced, long creme brulee crust, nut skin and brittle, and dusty earth finish with fine, silky tannins and moderate oak. A satiny, finely integrated cabernet with an elegant posture.

Violet color. Rubbery, jammy, woody aromas and flavors of clove honey, strawberry preserves, black rubber, leather jacket and oak staves with a silky, crisp, dry full body and a polished, stimulating, medium-length raspberry jam, wood chips, hot chocolate mix, cremini mushroom, forest floor and birch bark finish with woody, barky tannins and light oak. A true Napa Cabernet that will stand the test of time; decant.

Dark garnet black color. Fruity aromas of honeyed cassis, chocolate lava cake, vanilla gelato, and toasted nuts and wood with a velvety, bright, fruity full body and a tingling, refreshing, long dried pear and sour cherries, apple and melon balls, sweet and peppery spices, and pipe tobacco finish with chewy, soft tannins and moderate oak. An elegant, seamless and fruity Napa cabernet that is drinking brilliantly now.

Indigo color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate craisin, mocha, grilled green pepper, and pepper spices with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a polished, engaging, medium-long dried cherries, blackberry pie a la mode, and cola float finish. A robustly flavorful, age-worthy red that is drinking brilliantly now.

Black ruby color. Aromas of new car, patent leather, moth balls, and boysenberry handpie with a satiny, crisp, dry full body and a smooth, interesting, long dried cherries, suede, and freshly grated spices finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak. A leatherier wine there may not have been; we’re excited to see this develop!

Deep purple color. Spicy aromas and flavors of pickling spices, dried cassis, black licorice, and wild berry taffy with a velvety, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a tingling, distinctive, medium-long grilled plum, wet leather, and foraged mushrooms finish with firm, grippy tannins and heavy oak. A concentrated wine that will be a dream with steak or blue cheeses; give the oak some time to mellow.

Dark indigo color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and vanilla with a round, bright, dryish full body and an effortless, interesting, medium-length finish with gritty tannins and heavy oak. A giant Napa Cabernet to that will continue to develop with age.