If you’re new to wine-tasting, buying a bottle may seem intimidating. You’ll find so many options, and without knowing what to look for, how wine is stored in cellars, or the importance of what grapes are used, the industry jargon — and learning how to find a good deal — may seem impossible. Fortunately, we can help.

This versatile wine pairs well with anything, from heavy meat dishes to sweet desserts. If you’re looking for the best cabernet sauvignon, here’s a list of options for all palates and budgets, ranked from most affordable to expensive. Cab sav is truly the King (or Queen) of Reds.

1. Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 13.5%

Winery: Columbia Winery

Price: $14.99

Displaying red berry and cedar aromas, the Columbia Cabernet exhibits flavors of cherry and dried herb flavors followed by a lasting finish.

This is an affordable cab sav that doesn’t compromise on taste. Pair it with beef, ribs, or lamb to complement your meal.

Shop now: Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

2. Wines Of Substance Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.5%

Winery: Charles Smith Wines

Price: $16.99

Wines of Substance hail from the Washington growing region, designed by savvy winemaker Charles Smith. For tasting notes, expect a blend of cassis, cedar, vanilla, and toast in a rich, full-bodied, balanced package. Pair it with prime ribs for an evening meal.

Shop now:Wines Of Substance Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

3. Moral Compass Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.5%

Winery: Moral Compass

Price: $19.95

This fruity cabernet sauvignon displays black cherry, oak, and anise aromas, leading to a rich palate marked with deep, black fruit flavors with notes of dark chocolate and spice. It’s a versatile wine paired with most meals, including beef.

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4. Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.5%

Winery: Intrinsic Wine Co.

Price: $23.79

Washington State comes through with another smooth cabernet sauvignon, this time from Intrinsic Wine Co. Its cassis (a robust black currant taste) is intense, a full-bodied blend of currants and sweet tobacco. It pairs well with beef or game meat.

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5. Concoxion Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 13.8%

Winery: Purple Brands

Price: $23.95

Purple Brands has created one of the best California cabernet sauvignons with their Concoxion Paso Robles, a dark, luscious blend of rich dark berry and juicy black jam flavors on the palate; quite intense black fruit on the long finish with notes of savory herb and spices. Pair this wine with beef or duck for your meal.

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6. Educated Guess Cabernet Napa

ABV: 14.5%

Winery: Roots Run Deep

Price: $24.99

If you’re looking for a full-bodied cabernet from the Napa Valley, Educated Guess is excellent. Made by award-winning winemaker Roots Run Deep, this wine mixes black cherry, blackberry, and french vanilla, making it a perfect drink to sip on during a balmy summer evening. It works well with beef.

Shop now: Educated Guess Cabernet Napa

7. Tributus Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.2%

Winery: Tributus Vineyard

Price: $25.99

Tributus is among several cabernet sauvignon wine brands with a consistently excellent reputation, and its cab sav from Paso Robles continues this trend. Typically, it’s aged in oak barrels for several months before bottling, resulting in a dark purple color, cherry, plum, and black currant fruit aromas and flavors. This dark wine pairs well with beef or venison. 

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8. Karli Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.7%

Winery: Karli

Price: $31.99

Karli has created one of the best cab wines representing generations of rich heritage, culminating in this elegantly bold and luscious wine. This cab sav bursts with black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate with spicy oak accents.

Shop now:Karli Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

9. Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.3%

Winery: Robert Mondavi Winery

Price: $31.99

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with black cherry, plum, and blackberry flavors, complemented by traces of herbs, spices, and semi-sweet chocolate. This bottle of red wine has a velvety essence and a smooth finish.

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10. Navigator Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.5%

Winery: Precision Wine Co.

Price: $39.95

Navigator Cabernet Sauvignon is dark and dense, with aromas of cassis, plum, anise, and just the right amount of toasty spice and vanilla. This fruit-forward cabernet is intense and enveloped in soft, ripe tannins, which lead to a beautifully balanced finish.

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11. The Prisoner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 15%

Winery: Constellation Brands Inc.

Price: $56.99

From one of the most recognized Napa Valley wineries comes a distinct, new wine. Made in the same iconic style as The Prisoner Red Blend, Constellation Brands Inc. proudly introduces The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon. Redefining taste once again with one of the best cabernet sauvignons out there.

Shop now: The Prisoner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

12. ZD Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.6%

Winery: ZD Wines

Price: $78.99

This wine exhibits intense aromas of blackberry, plum, and cassis with hints of cocoa, cedar, and sweet vanilla, a palate of concentrated black fruits, lush tannins, and well-balanced acidity.

ZD Wines has an award-winning cabernet sauvignon selection, and they’re one of the most famous wineries in the Napa Valley region.

Shop now:ZD Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

FAQs

What is the difference between different types of wine?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of red wine to help you navigate the grocery store shelves. 

Cabernet Franc is one of the main black grape varieties worldwide. It’s the parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and is often grown to be blended with one of them. What results is a medium-bodied red wine with lighter flavors. The majority of these grapes are grown in France.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine made from red-skinned grapes, which can grow well in almost all the world’s wine-producing regions, including Canada, Australia, Chile, and Italy, among others. Cab sav is characterized by its full body and lingering mouthfeel. It’s a deep red with diverse flavors depending on where the grapes are grown.

Malbec is a red wine made from purple-skinned grapes. This wine most often comes from warmer climates like Argentina, Chile, California, and Southwest France. Malbec is a dry red (not too sweet) and has a robust body and dark fruit and oak flavors.  

Merlot is a type of wine made from dark blue-colored grapes from wine regions around the world, including Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Sonoma County. Its soft, smooth texture makes it an approachable choice, especially for those new to red wine.

What is a good, reasonably priced cabernet sauvignon?

A bottle of good red wine can cost as low as $15, as shown on our list. The highest-rated wines, like the ZD Napa Valley Cab Sav, will come at a higher price point than others.  

The price range is determined by several factors, including the winery’s clout and brand, the vineyard’s location, and the wine’s age. Price can also fluctuate if the wine has traveled far and wide to reach your glass — most domestic options won’t cost as much.

How do you pick a good cabernet sauvignon?

If you don’t have much red wine knowledge or a savvy friend who can help you out, here are some easy ways to choose a good bottle of cabernet sauvignon.

While you’re in the store browsing bottles, look at the year of the vintage. Older vintages become more complex and flavorful due to a chemical reaction happening in the bottle among the sugar, acids, and other elements. Also, check the region to learn where it was made and by whom? Some areas have a reputation for producing consistently high-quality beverages, like France’s Bordeaux region or California’s Napa Valley.

When you pour a glass of cabernet sauvignon or do a taste test at a restaurant, pay attention to the aroma, color, and flavor. The color should be rich and dark, ranging from wine-red to an inky purple. Take a sip and notice how it feels in your mouth and what the flavors bring up for you. You’re looking for a full-bodied wine but not too bitter or sweet.

Don’t forget to browse through Gopuff’s entire selection if you want to shop for more cab savs and have them delivered to your door. You can also order available red and white wines to keep your cabinets fully stocked.