12 Wines to Try This International Cabernet Day

Gold Medal, 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2016 Cabernet Shootout Challenge

"Seductive, heady aromatics of black currant laced with Mexican vanilla and a trace of forest floor foretell the beauty of the wine as it opens. The round almost voluptuous entry offers a dark berry blend—boysenberry, currant, blackberry and dark cherry—with layers of mocha, dark chocolate, cedar and a hint of eucalyptus. Fine tannins and integrating oak frame the wine, while a brightness lifts the mid-palate and the lush flavors linger in the finish. [Updated February 2017]"

7. 2015 Sbragia Family Vineyards Andolsen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Retail Price: $44.00
Our Price: $29.99

Winemaker's Notes:

"We buy these grapes from Dr. Andolsen, our long-time friend and family doctor. The steep, terraced vineyard is located in Dry Creek’s western foothills. The fruit is selected from my favorite blocks on this small vineyard. Dry Creek has not been historically known as Cabernet country, but we believe the same conditions that bode well for Zinfandel seem to also be doing well by Cabernet. This wine has herbaceous and floral notes with a layer of black currant and black cherry."

8. 2016 Stringer Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Retail Price: $45.00
Our Price: $35.99

"The backbone of the 2016 Napa Cabernet (75%) comes from the famed Ghost Block Vineyard in Yountville, with the remainder being Cabernet and Petit Verdot from the Stagecoach Vineyard high in the Vaca Mountains overlooking the Napa Valley floor. The handpicked fruit was destemmed, vigorously sorted and moved to a combination of a closed top stainless tank and small new 60 Gallon French oak barrels for fermentation. This wine is deep and brooding with notes of chocolate and cherries.  The wine can be enjoyed now with a short decant or laid down for future enjoyment."

9. 2015 Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Retail Price: $40.00
Our Price: $35.99

Wine Advocate, 90-92 Points

"A barrel sample to be bottled at the end of February 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of cedar chest, toast, cassis, plums and herbs with a waft of florals. Medium to full-bodied, firm and chewy, it has nice purity and a long finish. 19,000 cases are expected to be produced."

10. 2013 Long Meadow Ranch Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Retail Price: $55.00
Our Price: $44.99

James Suckling, 93 Points

"Cool phenolics are making themselves known in this cab in addition to some blueberry and lavender undertones. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and fruity finish. Tight and well done. Drink in 2018."

11. 2014 Amapola Creek Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Retail Price: $90.00
Our Price: $52.99

Wine Advocate, 94 Points

"A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard is deep garnet-purple colored and displays alluring chocolate box and licorice scents over a core of crème de cassis, sandalwood, black soil and plum preserves with touches of potpourri and dried herbs. Full-bodied, concentrated and packed to the gills with ripe, rich black fruits, it has a firm, grainy frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy."

12. 2013 Heitz Cellar Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Retail Price: $125.00
Our Price: $110.00

Wine Enthusiast, 95 Points

"From a certified-organic site in Rutherford and 100% varietal, this wine has benefitted from time in the bottle, dazzling in soft silky red fruit and jolts of nutmeg and dust. Beautifully layered, structured and brightly vibrant, it has impressive coaxings of cigar, cedar and a rich hint of wild vanilla."

Organically grown.