Cabernet Sauvignon
The world’s most planted premium red grape. Foundation of Médoc Bordeaux and the global “Bordeaux blend” category. Powerful, age-worthy, thick-skinned.
About Cabernet
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most editorially significant red grape variety — the foundation of the Médoc Bordeaux first growths, the dominant grape in Napa Valley’s premium tier, and the structural backbone of premium reds across the New World. The grape originated as a natural cross of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th-century Bordeaux. Its thick skins, small berries, and late-ripening character produce wines with high tannin, deep color, and exceptional aging potential. The canonical Cabernet Sauvignon profile includes blackcurrant (cassis), black cherry, graphite, cedar, and tobacco notes — these descriptors apply consistently across regions despite stylistic variation. The grape blends well: Bordeaux blends typically pair Cabernet with Merlot (which softens) and small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. New World single-varietal expressions (Napa, Coonawarra, Maipo Puente Alto) demonstrate the grape’s capacity to stand alone. Aging potential ranges from 10-15 years (entry tier) to 30-50+ years (First Growths from strong vintages).
Variety profile
Editorial notes
Cabernet Sauvignon’s structural elements (tannin, acid, alcohol, fruit concentration) determine aging potential. Serious bottlings need 10-15 years minimum to integrate; First Growth Bordeaux and Napa cult Cabernets routinely age 25-50+ years.