The Top-Rated California Cabernet Sauvignon

In Napa Valley, “Cab is King,” as they say. But it’s not the only California region producing notable examples of the native Bordeaux varietal, which according to the most recent California Grape Acreage Report, produced in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture, is the most widely-planted grape in the state.

When asked to assemble a list of exceptional California Cabs, our Tasting Department rounded out examples from Napa Valley—including those hailing from the Stags Leap District and Oakville—with bottlings from Alexander Valley in Sonoma County and Paso Robles in the Central Coast.

Writer-at-Large Elaine Chukan Brown, who reviews Napa wines, has been particularly impressed by recent vintages. “2019 stands as one of the classic vintages for Cabernet Sauvignon in California,” she says, noting that these bottles offer detail and complexity through a structure of approachable yet ageable tannins. “That combination is rare, but it means that many of the wines from the year will be not only beautiful now, but also worth holding in the cellar to drink years from now.”

Meanwhile, she notes a “freshness” to the best wines of 2020, which “should not be overlooked.” As for the 2021 vintage? It “has already proven itself to be full of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon,” Chukan Brown says. “It’s one of my favorite vintages for Napa Valley.”

Further south, Writer-at-Large and California reviewer Matt Kettmann is impressed by bottlings in Paso Robles. “Thanks to endless sunshine and a topography that varies from challenging mountains to easygoing plains, Paso Robles continues to be a powerhouse for Cabs from across the price spectrum,” he says. “The always ripe fruit is balanced by increasingly experienced winemakers who are becoming experts at managing tannins, maintaining acidity and complementing aromas and flavors with barrel spice.”

This is all to say, you can’t go wrong with any of these California Cabs. And if you’re looking for wines to match the vibe of a casual weeknight hang or intimate celebratory dinner? These include bottlings that range from relatively budget-conscious (the key word is “relatively”—we’re still talking at least $60) to exorbitant (the 2020 CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag’s Leap Winery will set you back more than $300).

Meyer Family Cellars 2019 Le Bon Bon Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

A beautiful perfume of oak spices and a velvety-rich palate full of black cherries and blueberries make this tiny-production wine a classic. Well-structured for aging, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and deep, matching lavish cinnamon, cedar and tobacco notes with dried cherries, blueberries and cranberries. Best from 2027–2037. Cellar Selection. 97 Points — J.G.

$135
Porthos

This article originally appeared in the June/July 2024 of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Click here to subscribe today!