Believe it or not, this world-renowned grape has a special celebration dedicated to it! August 30th is International Cabernet Sauvignon Day! It has been a relatively short journey from zero to hero for this grape varietal, and today it is the most commonly planted grape in vineyards across the world from Napa Valley, USA, in South America, South Africa, and to Australia. Why you may well ask?
The versatile Cabernet Sauvignon grape is thick-skinned and hardy. It will tolerate a wide range of soil and climate types, developing unique flavor profiles according to where it grows. Its distinctive aromas of dark, ripe fruits, hints of cedar, and smoky tobacco together with well-balanced tannins make it become an irresistible, popular red wine. Read on to find out more about the 10 best Cabernet Sauvignon wines under $100.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Under $100
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- Name — Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Caymus Vineyards
- Country/Region — United States, Napa Valley, California
- Type — Californian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Vanilla, Oak, Dark Cherry
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Chocolate, Black Fruit, Leather, Earth, Cocoa
- Alcohol Content — 14.4%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Angus Steak, Spicy Food, Burgers, Duck, Lamb
Top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon wines are not difficult to find in the Napa Valley, but if you are looking for something a little bit special, then this Caymus Vineyards red should not be overlooked. With blackberries on the nose and a palate full of oak, dark chocolate, mocha, and smokiness, it is heaven in a bottle. This Californian Cabernet blend has been carefully nurtured by Chuck Wagner, a winemaker of repute, to become a profound, full-bodied, and unctuous classic. Based in Rutherford, the winery is known for specializing in top dollar wines that are also included in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.
The winery is a family affair and the Wagner family has been growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes there since 1940. Chuck Wagner is supported in the winery by his two sons and a daughter. Their New World style Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and fruity. The grapes are harvested at the last possible time to ensure maximum ripening time under the sunny Californian sun and thereby creating a unique cabernet under $100. Think pepper steak, grilled New York strip loin, hamburgers, grilled lamb chops, and strong-flavored hard cheese when you are planning to pair Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon with food.
Best From Napa Valley
- Name — Stag’s Leap Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
- Country/Region — United States, Napa Valley, California
- Type — Californian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Dark Cherry, Cedar, Spice
- Grapes — 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec
- Taste — Plum, Dried Fruits, Dark Chocolate, Toasted Oak
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Steak Salad, Eggplant Parmesan, Indian Food, Steaks of All Kind
The best Napa Cabernet under $100 is undoubtedly from the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (not counting the Caymus one). The winery was established in the 1970s by the Winiarski family. Their Cabernet Sauvignon blend had its first vintage in 1972 and helped to rocket the wines of the Napa Valley to fame. Their red wines are characterized by the spiciness and concentrated flavors that come from the volcanic terroir.
Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon showcases ripe raspberries on the nose followed by dark cherry and blackberries, which are then joined by traces of cedar and spice. The palate is fully rounded with flavors of plum, dried fruits, dark chocolate, and toasted oak leads into a rich and prolonged finish. This Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect when paired with braised short ribs, pasta with wild mushrooms and prosciutto, or any rich, hearty meat dishes.
Best From Sonoma
- Name — Daniel Cohn Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Daniel Cohn
- Country/Region — United States, California, Sonoma
- Type — Californian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Lively Aromas Of Oak, Smoke, And Currant
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Cherry, Plum, Blueberry, Vanilla, Oak
- Alcohol Content — 14.2%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grilled Hamburger, Barbequed Steaks, Hearty Meat Dishes
Daniel Cohn is a philosopher and winemaker superior! His belief, “Wine, the subtle force that brings everyone together,” is the motivation for his quest to make the best Cabernet under $100. Expertly crafted, in an era in California when vineyards were family farmed and wines were made by hand, Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon has finesse and quality beyond expectations. Winemaking has been in his family for many years, but in 2015 Dan decided to forge his own path in winemaking.
His desire to create an unforgettable wine has led to the superb Cabernet Sauvignon named Bellacosa which, in his words is “truly a “beautiful thing”. This is designed to be red wine to share, but after one sip, I think you may decide that it is a wine for one! Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon is not a wine to store for the future. It is good to serve now. With the multifaceted layering of dark, ripe fruit flavors with soft hints of vanilla and toast, it is luscious and rich. One glance at the deep ruby wine in a glass will have you swept off your feet and planning to order a box of this incredible Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon.
Best From California
- Name — Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Alexander Valley Estate
- Country/Region — United States, California, Alexander Valley
- Type — Californian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Oak, Vanilla, Tobacco
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Dark Fruits, Leather, Earthy, Smoky
- Alcohol Content — 13.9%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lasagna, Steaks, Lamb, Burgers, Meat, Meat and Meat
Be transported back to a simpler time before California became synonymous with everything “Hollywood” and catch your breath in the vineyards of Alexander Valley. The rustic, laidback summer feel is reflected in the wines, especially the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. You can taste the Californian sunshine in the ripe fruit that blends effortlessly with rosemary and thyme. From that core, you will experience layers of wild strawberry, raspberry, and freshly picked plums. Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is medium-bodied with a fresh acidity and tannins that deliver intense flavors.
The combination of mineral-rich, fertile soil from the Mayacamas Mountains and sandy loam from Russian River deposits, have created the perfect terroir for growing superior Cabernet Sauvignon. The Alexander Valley Estate winemakers have experimented with blending small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc to the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a spicy complex wine. Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in American Oak barrels and careful regulating of the barrel characteristics lead to subtle oak flavors that do not overwhelm the palate. Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is distinctly more savory than regular Napa Valley red wines.
Best From France
- Name — Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac (Grand Cru Classé)
- Winery — Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
- Country/Region — Pauillac, Medoc, France
- Type — French Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Tobacco, Oak, Cedar
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Cassis, Black Fruit, Leather, Earth, Smoke
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — All Things Meat, Asian Food, Rich Fish, Mushrooms
From the home of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, France, we find the Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste wine estate. It is sited on a “puy” above a small village in the Pauillac region of the Médoc. The soil in this region is perfect for the vineyards as it has evolved the classic layers of gravel, sand, and clay. The microclimate is moderated by the Gironde estuary, so day and night temperature fluctuations are limited and there is little risk of frost.
It, therefore, stands to reason that many of the most expensive and revered red wines in the world are grown here. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes favor the free-draining soil of Pauillac and the finest grapes are grown in these vineyards. This is proven by the fact that the fine red wines that originate here trade at the highest prices in international wine markets. Grand-Puy-Lacoste is deep magenta in color and has a velvety mouthfeel. The full dark fruit flavors are enhanced by hints of cigar box and cassis, and the lengthy aging in French oak matures this wine to perfection.
Best From Australia
- Name — Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Penfolds
- Country/Region — South Australia
- Type — Australian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Mint, Pepper, Eucalyptus
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Black Fruits, Oak, Chocolate, Vanilla
- Alcohol Content — 14.3%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Steaks, Lamb, Beef Stew, Grilled Ribs, Veal Parmesan
Penfolds has the reputation for being one of Australia’s top wine producers with good reason. Built on its long history of winemaking, as well as the consistently high quality of wines that emerge from its winery, Penfolds deserves every accolade that it receives. Founded in 1844 by an Englishman, Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold, who had the intention of making wine for medicinal purposes, this is a wonderful success story.
Penfold and his family settled in South Australia which today has become the heart of the Australian wine industry. It is unsurprisingly also one of the places where the Cabernet Sauvignon grape thrives. This was very fortunate for Dr. Penfold. One of the reasons for the suitability of this region is the fact that is cooler than other parts of Australia and receives much more rain, which is ideal for growing this grape varietal. Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, dry, red wine with medium tannins and acidity.
Best From Chile
- Name — Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Concha y Toro
- Country/Region — Puente Alto, Chile
- Type — Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Leather, Earth, Smoke, Blackberry, Coffee
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Black Fruits, Oak, Tobacco, Chocolate
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Anything Steak, Duck, Truffle Linguine
One of the first regions in Chile to have been identified as having the perfect terroir for producing top-quality wine, the Maipo Valley is the favored growing place of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The wines from this valley are distinctive and you can expect to pay the highest prices for these Chilean wines. Don Melchor is recognized as a top-rated cabernet sauvignon under $100, and it is made by the Concha y Toro winery. This winery is named after Melchor de Concha y Toro, a Chilean businessman who had the foresight to bring Bordeaux varieties to the Maipo River valley in the 1880s. Concha y Toro winery was founded by him and has grown to one of the biggest South American wine producers.
The production of Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon began in the 1980s and has come to be the top wine in the Concha y Toro portfolio. The proximity of the vineyards to the Andes Mountains is the determining factor in growing the finest quality grapes. The alluvial soil is deposited by the Maipo River and provides the necessary minerality for the vines. They produce small berries which are concentrated and lead to wines with structure and grippy tannins. The mountains protect the vineyards from the fierce sun and provide cooling winds which moderate the temperature and slow down the ripening of the fruit. This enhances the balance of flavor and acidity of this Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
Best From Argentina
- Name — Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Viña Cobos (Bramare Marchiori Vineyard)
- Country/Region — Perdriel, Mendoza Province, Argentina
- Type — Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Raisins, Black Fruits, Leather, Tobacco
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Chocolate, Black Pepper, Clove, Mocha
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Pork Chops, Meaty Pasta, Steaks
Argentina is another South American country that benefits from the ideal conditions for the growing of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the shadow of the Andes Mountains. Perdriel is a wine-producing region near the city of Mendoza and is situated in the foothills of the Andes. The region has low rainfall, but melted snow waters the vineyards. By growing the grapes at high altitudes 950m (3100ft) above sea level, the vines enjoy long hours of daily sunshine and cool nights. This has the desired effect of lengthening the growing season which results in balanced sugar and acidity in the wines.
The loam and clay soil of the region lacks water and nourishment for the vines, so they have to develop deep root systems in search of nutrients, resulting in smaller berries. The wines produced from these grapes are rich, complex, and have well-structured tannins. Viña Cobos winemaking is a collaboration between Luis Barraud and Andrea Marchiori of Mendoza, and Californian winemaker, Paul Hobbs. They produce this Bramare Marchiori Vineyard and it is a top cabernet sauvignon under $100.
Best From Spain
- Name — Familia Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Familia Torres
- Country/Region — Penedès, Spain
- Type — Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Vanilla, Leather, Smoke
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Cherry, Oregano, Raspberries, Chocolate, Oak
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Steaks, Aged Cheeses, Ribs, BBQ
The Familia Torres is believed to have been growing vines in the Penedès region of Spain since 1559, and in 1870 Miguel and Jaime Torres Vendrell founded Torres and Company. Since then, the company has produced some of the most prestigious Spanish red wines. A tiny vineyard specializes in cultivating select Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and using them to create the unique and exclusive award-winning Torres’ red wine.
The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that grow in Penedès thrive in the altitude, terroir, and micro-climates of the region. From the grapes, they can produce top-quality wines from a mix of Spanish and French varietals. Penedès is also the first place in Spain where stainless steel tanks and cold fermentation methods have been used to produce modern wines that have complex flavors and dense tannins. The Torres family winery produces the elegant Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon wine with its deep purple color, ripe fruit aromas, and sophisticated structure.
Best From South Africa
- Name — Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek
- Winery — Boekenhoutskloof
- Country/Region — Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Type — South African Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Red Fruit, Nutmeg, Bergamot And Cassis
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Fruits, Smoke, Tobacco, “Fynbos”, Tea
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Wagyu Steak, Beef Casserole, Veal Chops, Mushrooms
The name of this esteemed South African winery comes from the Boekenhout tree (an indigenous Cape Beech tree) which has been used for making refined furniture for centuries. Examples of chairs fashioned from this beautiful wood have been used on the Boekenhoutskloof wine labels to symbolize the tradition of creating beauty from natural resources. This is an important part of their wine-making philosophy. The Boekenhoutskloof winery in Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape province of South Africa, produces the best-rated cabernet sauvignon under $100.
This red wine is expressive, elegant, and luxuriant. Ruby with deep purple highlights is what you will behold in a glass of Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon. The predominant aromas on the nose are full of fruit perfumes with the additional touches of nutmeg, bergamot, and cedar. They are opulent and hint at red fruits like currants, ripe, black cherries, and juicy red plums. Later, you will detect the heady smell of the herbs of Provence.
The palate gives hits of stone fruits which are complemented by smoky tobacco and tea, and the indigenous sweet Cape shrubs called “fynbos”. The mid-palate is rich, silky, and poised with a charcoal-edged texture and very fine-grained tannins, which add perfectly balanced acidity. The powdery, well-integrated tannins are characteristic of South African red wines and give this red its lively nature. They also indicate the aging potential of this refined red wine. With a beautiful, lingering finish containing balanced acidity, cocoa, cloves, and cedarwood hues, you will not want the experience to end.
The hand-picked grapes are sorted and destalked with the utmost care. Then they are treated to a cold maceration in concrete containers. Fermentation occurs at temperatures in the range of 27° and 30°C and includes pump-overs at regular intervals to extricate aromas, color, and tannins. Then a malolactic fermentation is induced in French oak barrels. There the wine is left to mature for about 18 months. The resulting Cabernet Sauvignon has a classic ripe berry profile. This dry South African Cabernet Sauvignon from Boekenhoutskloof winery is satisfying to sip on any occasion, whether it be solo or in good company. Paired with hearty meat stews, spicy barbecued meat, or strong cheeses, it will complement the strong flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
If, like me, you have become enchanted with Cabernet Sauvignon wines, you will want to wrap your laughing gear around some of the good Cabernet Sauvignon under $100 examples suggested here. If you try one of each of these suggestions, it will be almost like a wine-lover’s trip around the world from the comfort of your armchair. Enjoy the journey!
