One of These Cabs Is Not Like the Other
A look at Cabernet Sauvignon, around the world.
It's easy to stick to your favorites, but c'mon - it is also fun to get out of your box every now and then. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely planted varieties in the world and certainly one of the most recognized varieties. Grown in almost every major winemaking area of the world across a diverse spectrum of climates, not one Cab is quite like another.
Cab Sauv is the premier, yet somewhat underrated, grape of Washington state. Dark fruit, anise, spice, and polished, structured tannins abound. A favorite everyday WA Cab here is the 2017 Chateau Smith, Washington State. Finding a great everyday cab under $25 is increasingly difficult these days. So, at $22.99 - you bet we're happy here.
Most people hear Cab and automatically think California. Napa, specifically. There's certainly lots to love outside of Napa, especially if you don't want to open your wallet quite as wide. The 2018 Decoy by Duckhorn Cab Bottling ($28.99) is sourced from various vineyards across the North Coast - we love it for its typicity, restrained style, and everyday appeal. Looking for that bold Napa you know and love? The 2018 Hess Collection 'Allomi from Napa is bold, rich, structured mountain fruit for $35.99
Cab Sauv may be French in origin, but rarely does it play a solo role in its homeland. More often, you'll find it blended with its friends Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, and Malbec. For an excellent exploration into the Cab-dominant side of Bordeaux, the 2015 Maison Sichel, Margaux, Bordeaux ($44.99) is your guy.
To the Southern Hemisphere: lots to love and behold from this side of the equator. From a French family making wine in Chile - the 2017 Lapostelle, 'Cuvee Alexandre,' Valle de Colchagua, Chile ( $27.99) is dark, savory, and herbal. Fruit forward, but by no means jammy. This has long been one of our underrated best buys. Going across the Pacific, we're looking at the excellent cabs coming out of the Margaret River region in Australia. Another long time fav, the 2017 Howard Park 'Miamup' ($26.99) certainly exceeds most expectations. From soils reminiscent of Bordeaux, the slighter warmer climate lends brighter, riper fruit than one would expect from Bordeaux but with a savory edge and high toned minerality.
Of course, it is also hard to think of Cab without thinking of big, juicy steaks. Indeed, an excellent pairing. Also recommended - virtually anything off the grill. The smoke/char spices lends well to the cedary, brambly spice of this grape. Cheers!