Why Choose Cabernet Sauvignon Over Other Red Wines?
From Bordeaux in France to the Napa Valley, California, and many places in between you will find vineyards full of cabernet sauvignon. There are two main reasons for this phenomenon. Firstly, this grape varietal produces delicious wine, and secondly, it is a remarkably unchallenging grape to grow.
Wineries find the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is amenable to many climates and terroir, and the rich, deep flavors of this wine are adored by wine drinkers around the world. You will be pleased to know that it is possible to sample some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines for under $50. So, let’s get on and find which one to sample first!
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Under $50
(4.9 / 5) 
(4.8 / 5) 
(4.5 / 5) 
(4.6 / 5) 
(4.7 / 5) Best Overall
- Name — Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Frank Family
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Napa County, Napa Valley
- Type — Californian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Blackberry, Blueberry, Plum, Cherries, Oak, Vanilla
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Red Fruit, Chocolate, Vanilla, Plum, Blackberry, Cherry, Cedar
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Beef Wellington, Pork Chops, Indian, Falafel, Rib Eye, Apple Crostata
Tasting Notes
The Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most delicious Cabernet Sauvignon to come out of the famous Napa Valley. That is why the price comes as a very pleasant surprise! When you pull the cork you will be met with the seductive aromas of ripe fruit. Plum, ripe cherries are quickly followed by oak and vanilla.
As you take your first sip, your palate will be surrounded by the full, heady flavors of fruit that have been ripened to perfection under the Californian sun. Savor the full flavors of dark chocolate and vanilla coating your mouth, and then experience the long, slightly acid finish that leaves you wanting more.
History
Frank Family winery has gained a reputation for making superb Cabernets. At the renowned Larkmead Winery in the beautiful Napa Valley, they have been making wines for many years, and this red is considered the best cabernet under $50.
Serving
Coming in at 14.5% drinking this wine is a heady experience. It is recommended that you decant this wine, as it will enhance your encounter with this wonderful Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon. Decanting releases the aromas and subtle hints of flavor. This will also bring the wine to the correct serving temperature. The Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon is best served in Bordeaux-style glasses with a wide opening that softens the taste as it reaches your mouth.
Food pairing
The Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon with its rich flavors and balanced acidity is good when paired with meaty stews or winter warming dishes. Having said that, it is also perfect with grilled meat at a barbeque. Try it with fillet steak and foie gras, Beef wellington with honey-roasted carrots and horseradish sauce, or Korean-style beef stir-fried in garlic, soy, and sesame.
Best From Napa Valley
- Name — Honig Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Honig Vineyard and Winery
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Napa County, Napa Valley
- Type — Californian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Cherry, Cocoa, Oak, Licorice, Spices, Dark Fruits
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Blackberry, Cherry, Raisins, Chocolate, Black Pepper, Vanilla, Smoke
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Hearty Meat Dishes, Dark Chocolate Desserts, Rib Eye, Truffle Linguine
Napa Valley: USA Cradle of the Cabernet Sauvignon Grape
Napa Valley is considered one of the best wine-growing regions in the world. It has the climate, topography, and geology to provide the essential ingredients for growing vines, especially the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
Honig Vineyard
The wines from Honig Vineyard and Winery are held in high regard in the USA, as well as globally. It all began in 1964 when Louis Honig bought a vineyard and planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. He sold his produce to local wineries but dreamed of making his wines. Sadly, he died before he could achieve his life goal.
However, his family was determined to make his dream come true and now produce award-winning wines such as Honig Cabernet Sauvignon. A notable feature of this winery’s philosophy is the sustainable winemaking practices that it upholds. For example, the winery is solar-powered and bats are encouraged to inhabit the property as a form of pest control rather than use commercial pesticides.
Tasting Notes
This good Cabernet Sauvignon under $50 is a Napa Valley classic. It has all the rich berry flavors and aromas that you would expect, and they are elevated to new heights with the suggestion of spice, licorice, and chocolate. Honig Cabernet Sauvignon finishes with the smooth flavors of leather, earth, and smoke and the soft acidity provides a refreshing finish. This bold, structured red has 14.8% alcohol. Serve it with richly flavored beef, lamb, game, or strong cheeses in good company.
Best From Sonoma
- Name — Francis Ford Coppola Winery Director’s Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Francis Ford Coppola Winery
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Sonoma County
- Type — Californian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Red Fruits, Dark Fruits, Vanilla, Smoke
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Cherry, Vanilla, Oak
- Alcohol Content — 13.7%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Roasted Lamb, Roasted Duck, Filet Mignon, Chilli Con Carne
Hollywood Style at Affordable Prices
You may not be surprised to find out that one of Hollywood’s most famous directors of all time has a vineyard in Alexander Valley! This warm valley is in Sonoma County, California, and stretches from the Russian River to the foothills of the Maya Camas Mountains. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that flourish here are used to make fruity, exciting wines that rival those made in the famous Napa Valley area.
The Godfather of Red Wines?
Francis Ford Coppola has chosen Sonoma County as the place for his winery that produces the value brand section of the Coppola group. For those who don’t know, he is the famous director of The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now. He is a wine lover, but not necessarily a winemaker. He provides the funding and the technology and expects his winemakers to do the “magic”.
The Director’s Cut Label
His iconic career inspired the Director’s Cut label that looks like a reel of film has been wrapped around the bottle. He has appointed a female director of grower relations, Lise Asimont, and given her the instruction “Always less oak. Let the fruit speak for itself.” She takes her mission to create “daily wines that you can drink with dinner” very seriously. Hiring only women pickers, she says that they may be slower, but they are better at selecting the best grapes.
And The Winner Is…
Director’s Cut is a great Cabernet Sauvignon under $50. It is not only an approachable, unpretentious wine, but it is also good value for money. With its black fruit and red berry flavors, it delivers all the way through to the lightly oak finish with hints of vanilla and tobacco smoke. Just like Coppola’s films, this one is not to be missed!
Best From California
- Name — Michael David Winery Rapture Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Michael David Winery
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Valley, Lodi
- Type — Californian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Blackberry, Sweet Berry, Coffee, Coconut, Cigar Smoke
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Cherry Pie, Blueberry, Dark Chocolate, Hazelnuts, Leather, Oak
- Alcohol Content — 14.8%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Prime Rib, Osso Buco, Beef Casserole, Asian Food
A Wine of Biblical Proportions
This limited-production wine is called Rapture alluding to the Biblical event that has been prophesized. The name implies that you should not be “left behind” because this wine will not be around for long. The grapes were grown in Michael Phillip’s vineyard and under his close supervision. The wine is fermented using the rotary method and then aged in barrels made of 100% French oak.
Lodi Region: Producer of Prestigious Wines
Lodi, California is famous for producing expensive wines, including some impressive Cabernet Sauvignons. This red from the Michael David Rapture range is one of the top pricey wines from Lodi, but you will not regret paying a little bit more for this exclusive red wine.
The Lodi wine-growing region is to be found perfectly placed to the east of San Francisco Bay (between Sacramento and Stockton). Benefitting from a mild Mediterranean-type climate and blessed with plenty of river water, Lodi is a winemaker’s paradise.
Two Brothers Who Care about Wine and the Planet
Michael and his brother David formed the Michael David Winery in 1984. Five generations of the Phillips family have been growing grapes in Lodi since the 1850s. The Michael David Winery is devoted to farming sustainably and its wines are certified organic. This is an important part of their philosophy.
Tasting Notes
The curtain lifts with deep aromas of sun-ripened black fruits accompanied by hints of coconut and cigar smoke on the nose. The first act brings to the palate the rich, slightly sweet essence of baked cherry pie, dark chocolate, and roasted hazelnuts, and the medium finish is enhanced by subtle tannins, deep oak, and leather. All of the flavors are balanced to perfection!
This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will pair with everything, or nothing but your company (you will not want to share a drop). Meat cooked in any way, rich, creamy pasta dishes, or a platter of strong cheese will not make this Rapture Cabernet Sauvignon feel daunted in any way.
Best From Italy
- Name — Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana
- Winery — Carpineto
- Country/Region — Italy, Toscana
- Type — Italian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Dark Cherry, Licorice, Earthy Notes, Oak, Tobacco
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Blackberry, Black Plums, Cherry, Figs, Cassis, Green Herbs
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Porterhouse Steak, Spaghetti Bolognese, Aged Cheeses, Veal Chops
A Dream Tuscan Wine
Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the famous vineyards of Tuscany, Italy. The winery was started in 1967 by Giovanni Carlo Sachet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo. Their dream was to create a high-end Chianti, as opposed to the low-quality vino that was produced at that time. Now, Carpeneto has expanded into other parts of Tuscany, and their wines are exported globally.
Making of the Wine
Using individual tanks for the grapes from each vineyard, fermentation occurs with controlled temperature maceration on the skins. This takes up to two weeks at a temperature of 25-29°C (77-84°F). Following the malolactic fermentation, the separate crus are collected, and the wine is left to age in small oak barrels for a lengthy period. The wine that emerges is ruby in color with reflections of orange. It has a clean, concentrated aroma that includes hints of spice, licorice, and cherry.
The full-bodied flavor is rich and tenacious, and the elegantly structured finish is a pure delight. It is advisable to decant this Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon and serve at 20°C (68°F). Pair it with roasts, game and Italian cured meats, and strong cheeses and you will have a match made in heaven.
Best From Argentina
- Name — Viña Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Viña Cobos
- Country/Region — Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo
- Type — Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Blackcurrant, Blackberry, Plums, Lavender, Mint, Spice
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Blueberry, Plum, Vanilla, Licorice, Black Pepper, Prunes
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Filet Mignon, BBQ Ribs, Hearty Pasta, Mushroom Dishes
A Bold Red from a Bold Country
Any wine lover who is looking for a complex, top Cabernet Sauvignon under $50 will be pleased to open a bottle of Vina Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a bold red with multifaceted aromas and flavors. You will receive a wonderful treat when you catch the first whiff of the raisin, wood, and musky aromas.
Your palate will tingle with the refreshing blackberry fruity flavors, which are followed by dark chocolate and a café-mocha finish that is alive with grippy tannins. This Argentinian red is considered an excellent value for money.
A Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza
Coming from the Luján de Cuyo wine-producing region of Mendoza, Vina Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best examples of Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon to be found. Viña Cobos winery was created by the collaboration between Luis Barraud and Andrea Marchiori of Mendoza, and Paul Hobbs, a winemaker from California.
The winery is in the shadow of the Tupungato volcano and can produce 1.3 million liters of this Cabernet Sauvignon in concrete or stainless steel tanks. Viña Cobos is known for making wines that are bona fide examples of the amazing terroir where they are grown. Serve at room temperature and pair with Argentinian beef, rich stews of game or poultry, and a cheese board that has gusto!
Best From Australia
- Name — Two Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Two Hands
- Country/Region — Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
- Type — Australian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Blackcurrant, Blackberry, Cherry, Tobacco, Green Pepper
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Plum, Black Pepper, Chocolate
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Wagyu Steak, Veal Parmesan, Rich Fish, Lasagna
Get Your Hands on the Sexy Beast
As far as New World wines go, you will seldom be disappointed with a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Barossa Valley in Australia. And you can rest assured that you will be more than happy with this one. The naming of this wine may not make sense to everyone, but the taste of the Two Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon will grab you the moment that you pull the cork. The bold, dry wine with its deep inky purple color and floral aromas is a wine-tasting extravaganza!
Gentle in nature, and perfectly balanced like yin and yang, Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon is quietly confident and calm. When poured into a perfectly shaped red wine glass, it will blossom and reveal dark chocolate and tobacco aromas. Then the luxurious and exotic spices like aniseed will embrace your senses. This is one to be sipped sitting down. Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon has profuse tannins that grip, and this wine will improve with age, so make sure there is space in your cool, dark cellar for a few bottles.
Great Value
It is the best value Cabernet Sauvignon under $50! The Two Hands winery started in 1999 in the valley that is believed to have the oldest vines in the country. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape loves the abundant winter rainfall, the coastal breezes from St Vincent’s Gulf, and the rich and varied terroir of the McLaren Vale.
Best From Chile
- Name — San Pedro Cabo de Hornos Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — San Pedro
- Country/Region — Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley
- Type — Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Raisins, Blackberry, Dark Cherry, Dark Chocolate, Smoke, Anise
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Blueberry Jam, Blackberry, Cherry, Cassis, Earthy Notes
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Meat, Meat, Absolutely Anything Meat
The Label reveals the History
The history of the discovery of this amazing land at the foothills of the Andes is recorded on the label of Cabo de Hornos Cabernet Sauvignon bottle. The character-full red wine is typical of the wines from the tip of South America. Cabo de Hornos Cabernet Sauvignon has an elegant ruby color and boasts aromas of ripe berries which add a touch of sweetness.
Then there are hints of cedar and tobacco smoke, finishing on a long and persistent note. San Pedro winery has masterfully created a refreshing wine with balanced tannins and acidity.
A Dramatic Land of Extremes
The Cachapoal Andes Valley is south of Santiago, Chile. It is a land of extremes and the volcanic soils produce wines of great depth and flavor. At a height of 500 m above sea level, the vineyards have to withstand a wide range of daily temperatures and the grapes are slow to ripen.
This gives them time to absorb the sunshine and nutrients that create a complex character and strong flavors. This unforgettable wine is happy to be served with hearty meat dishes and roasted vegetables. Serve at room temperature, after decanting for about half an hour.
Best From South Africa
- Name — Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Kanonkop
- Country/Region — Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
- Type — South African Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Blackberry, Cassis, Strawberry, Chocolate, Plum
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Strawberry, Raspberry, Plums, Melon, Vanilla
- Alcohol Content — 14%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Beef Stew, Meatloaf, Roast Duck, Truffle Linguine, Hearty Meat Dishes
Canons on the Kopje’s
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon is a five-star South African red wine. It has been voted as the top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon under $50! Holding all the best of the Western Cape terroir and the finest South African winemaking skills within the bottle, you will be enchanted from the first moment that you remove the cork. The nose is full of the perfumes of the “fynbos” (natural flora) found on the mountain slopes, blackcurrants, and fennel. Sticking to tradition, the palate is fresh, yet earthy and the long finish has allusions to licorice.
The Red Wine Valley of the Western Cape
Kanonkop Estate is situated in the valley of the Simonsberg Mountains, between Stellenbosch and Paarl. This area is known as the “Red Wine Bowl” of South Africa, and grapes have been turned into wine there since the first settlers arrived. The long, hot summer days are cooled by breezes from Cape beaches and the soil is perfect for growing red grape varietals. All the wines produced by the Kanonkop Estate are fermented in open concrete vats before being aged, bottled, and kept in the cellar until they are sold.
A Red Wine with a Fiery Soul
This wine has to be drunk near a fire! Whether it be in an easy chair in front of a glowing fire or outside enjoying a typical South African “braai” (barbeque). Paired with beef, lamb, or poultry it is perfectly divine!
Best From Spain
- Name — Marqués de Griñon Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery — Marqués de Griñon
- Country/Region — Spain, Castilla, Dominio de Valdepusa
- Type — Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aroma — Blackcurrant, Vanilla, Cherry, Cranberry, Plum
- Grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon
- Taste — Black Cherry, Blueberry, Blackberry, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Tobacco
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Peruvian Lomo Saltado, New York Strip, Roast Lamb, Anything Mushrooms
Read about The Domino de Valdepusa Estate
This Spanish wine estate has been a pioneer in the winemaking craft and was the first vineyard in the world to use drip irrigation for its vines. With a history that goes back to 1292, the wine estate has been owned by Carlos Falco’s family for centuries dating back to the Marqués de Griñón.
In 1974 they planted 14 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon in a remote area along the banks of the Tagus River in central Spain. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes love the high altitude, endless sunshine, and variations in day and night temperatures. The unique terroir has layers of clay and limestone, and that adds to the minerality and consistency of the produce.
An Ancient Winery
The winery is located in an 18th-century building with underground cellars where their low-intervention methods are used. The distinctive Marqués de Griñon Cabernet Sauvignon wine that emerges after maturing in French oak barrels for over a year is a wonder to savor. Oak, tobacco, vanilla, and ripe fruit are the main aromas to meet the nose.
What follows is a smooth, yet unusual raspberry jam sweetness that flows into hints of herbal notes and flowers. The palate is treated to rich juicy fruit flavors with an understated balsamic touch. Pair with spring lamb, beef, game, or poultry. Serve at room temperature after decanting and resting for about two hours.
Conclusion
I trust that this review of the 10 Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Under $50 has left you enlightened and slightly thirsty. Some of these wines may not be widely available on supermarket shelves, but they are available online. I recommend vivino.com as a reliable wine distributor and I would suggest stocking up if you find a Cabernet Sauvignon that you like. Enjoy these wines responsibly, but enjoy them you must!
