Top Picks for Cabernet Sauvignon

Ruby color. Aromas of chocolate covered espresso bean with a dry fat body and a very long dark cherry, gunsmoke, and suede finish with moderate oak flavor. A serious Cabernet that showed up in an expensive suit ready for business.

Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackberry preserves, allspice, and grilled pumpernickel with a chewy, lively, dry full body and a warming, thought-provoking, long finish with suggestions of black currant, india ink, molasses, clove, and black peppercorn. A robust and complex Cabernet that will develop in the glass throughout a meal and for years to come.

Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of black cassis, figs and dates, dark chocolate, fine caramel, toasted pine nuts, cola, and menthol with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long finish evoking notes of french silk pie, hazelnut spread, and licorice with silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. Supreme texture and elegant flavors mesh in this serious, upstanding Stags Leap Cabernet that is sure to please.

Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of berry jam, salted caramel, dried fruits, fine woods, and hazelnut pastry cream with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a tingling, complex, long finish displaying impressions of raspberry lemon bars, cocoa shortbread, mixed peppercorns, and spiced cafe au lait. A divine nectar of the most concentrated, decadent flavors; a weighted blanket of a Cabernet.

Black violet color. Aromas of spiced cherry chutney, tarragon, cafe latte, leather, and toasted hazelnut with a tannic, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, very complex, very long aniseed, cinnamon toast, raspberry tart, and black olives finish with heavy oak flavor. A mature, persuasive Cabernet Sauvignon with impact.

Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of artisan candle in a leather holder, dusty road, cacao, pinecone, and dried mulberries with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, distinctive, long finish that presents notes of berry chutney, eucalyptus honeycomb, and cedar with chewy, coating tannins and moderate oak flavor. A poised and chewy old world claret style cabernet that deserves serious attention, time, and the finest cuts of meat.

Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of black currant, black olive , dark chocolate, fresh violet, and fennel with a velvety, lively, dry full body and a peppery, elegant, very long finish with notes of baked blackberry, fig, eucalyptus, and cedar with heavy oak flavor. A lush and mighty Napa Cabernet that broods with dark fruits while still showing nuance of purple flowers and herbs.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $20 and Under' Best Value US Cabernet Sauvignon

Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of black olives, grilled veggies, toasted coconut, blistered berries, and wildflowers with a lightly tannic, crisp, dryish medium-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long finish with notes of coriander, ginger, and chocolate-dipped crystallized orange peel with moderate oak flavor. A dense and vivid Cabernet Sauvignon for the long haul; juicy and decadent now but patience will be rewarded!

Garnet black color. Aromas of chocolate-drizzled plums, caramel, curried nuts, and cola with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a distinctive, long tobacco, black olives, almond croissant, chocolate-covered jellies, and toasted coconut finish. A bold, chewy, complex Stags Leap Cabernet that delivers.

Black garnet color. Inviting aromas and flavors of dark chocolate, almond bark, fig bar, coconut, cedar, and caramel-drizzled berries with a satiny, vibrant, dryish full body and a warming, intricate, medium-long finish with suggestions of black tea and plump plums with moderate oak flavor. A seamless and elegant Napa Cabernet with a cult-cab personality.