Wine of the Week - Cabernet Sauvignon

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Jan 19th 2010 @ 4:00PM

Cabernet Sauvignon is among the most storied, sought-after red wines. In the late '90s UC Davis' Department of Viticulture and Enology concluded that the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is an offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It's grown in almost every wine-producing country. California's Napa Valley is home to cult classics like Screaming Eagle, Harlan and Stags' Leap – if you can afford them, by all means sip 'em.

Here, I suggest seven affordable alternatives – a mix of old-timers and some newer Cabernet producers, sourced from varying climates. My food pairing suggestion is to use these Cabs as an excuse to grill meat – whether it's a beefy burger or prime rib. These wines are bold, muscular wines that can stand up to just about any food, but you wouldn't want it to completely overpower a seafood or fruit-infused dish.

2005 Andeluna Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina ($18): A cherry, smoky nose paves the way to a smooth sipping experience that concludes with soft tannins.

2007 Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon California ($11): This full-bodied Cabernet straddles easy-drinking characteristics (luscious, ripe blackberries; soft tannins and white pepper finish) with levels of complexity.

2007 Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($18): Notes of black cherry and tobacco are in this very well-rounded wine.

2005 Clif Family Winery & Farm "Kit's Killer Cab" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($35): Beginning with a nose of cigar box and forest floor, sweet notes of raspberry and blackberry power this balanced, full-bodied wine, with a burst of raspberries on the finish. (And yes, this is from the same folks who brought you Clif Bars.)

2006 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($49): An earthy, woodsy nose kicks off this delicate, lighter-bodied Cab with black-cherry notes. (And here's a little wine trivia: This is from the same winery that scored one of the four winning whites -- the '73 Chardonnay -- in the '76 Paris Tasting, also known as the Judgment of Paris.)

2006 Charles Krug Winery Yountville, California, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ($28): Black-cherry notes emerge on the finish, and eucalyptus and pepper are on the nose.

2006 Canyon's Edge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Alder Creek Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington ($30): There's a pleasant, light structure to this wine yet it's accented with pepper, cherry and leather notes, and has a smooth body. Great match with pizzas.

Filed Under: Drinks
Tags: cabernet sauvignon, CabernetSauvignon, featured, napa valley, NapaValley, wine