It seems as though I’ve been reviewing Cabernet Sauvignon for ages.  But to tell the truth, I really don’t mind.  Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my favorite varietals.  It’s considered the King of wines for a reason.  Strong-bodied and elegant with complexity and intensity.  Who could not love Cabernet?

All together, I tasted 27 different Cabernets and it’s time to summarize the results.  Why not go on to 30 and have an even number?  Because I like to be different.  If you’re a value wine consumer and Cabernet Sauvignon is your preference, this is the reference for you.

Top Picks

My top pick goes to Cellar No 8 2005 from Asti Winery in California.  This wine has good complexity, concentration and varietal character.  It’s very well balanced and has abundant ripe fruit but isn’t a fruit bomb. It’s quite smooth and has a perfect touch of spice, earning it a 90 rating. 

Unfortunately I haven’t seen it in many shops.  In my area (Cincinnati, OH) I’ve only found it at the Fresh Market for $9.99.  I’m sure it’s in other shops too, but I haven’t come across it yet.

A close second place goes to a Chilean Cabernet, Root:1 2005.  (Interesting that the top 2 picks both have numbers in their names.)  Although the ratings for Root:1 and Cellar No 8 both came out to 90, I picked Cellar No 8 as my top choice for two reasons:

1. Root:1 is not quite as approachable as Cellar No 8.  It has a very intense bouquet that definitely benefits from decanting, but even then may be too much for some. 
2. Root:1 costs $1 more and we are about finding the best values at Cheap Wine Ratings.

I do recommend that if you try this one, you only buy one bottle until you know that you like it.  Not because I want you to leave more for me on the shelves.  Rather, this does seem to be a love it or hate it wine and I am not kidding when I say the nose is intense.  

Others Worth Mentioning

There were a number of good wines at reasonable prices.  Some of the others I was impressed with:

• Five Rivers 2004: Good enough for a man, but made for a woman.
• Red Diamond 2005: Bold, jammy fruit and chocolate.
• McManis Family Vineyards 2006: Interesting herbal nose and rich dark berry flavors.
• Paringa 2005: Great complexity – herb/fruit/spice.

Hats Off to Chile

For a while during this series I was at risk of needing to change the name of the site to Cheap Chilean Wine Ratings.  I found so many good Cabernets from Chile that I kept trying more.  Six wines from Chile scored over 85 and I would recommend trying any of them:

• Root:1 2005
• Cousiño-Macul 2005
• Casa Lapostolle 2005
• Melania Colleccion Especial 2004
• Los Vascos 2005
• Carmen 2005

Prior to these Cabernet reviews I avoided Chilean wine due to a bad past experience, but Chile has been redeemed and I am now a huge fan of Chilean wine.  I look forward to discovering more great gems.

Ultimate Bargain

If finding the lowest price is your priority, then go with either Fish Eye 2004 from California or San Felipe 2004 from Argentina.  Both are $5.99, but you’ll have a much easier time finding the Fish Eye.

As I noted in my original review of Fish Eye, it needs to open up.  When I first tasted it I was quite underwhelmed, but I decanted it and let it rest and it opened up to become a very nice wine.  Give it a couple hours to open up.  If you’re serving for a party, open a few bottles early (before the party starts) and let them breath.  Its characteristics are strawberry, vanilla and leather, although the viscosity is a bit low with an alcohol level of only 12.5%.  It may not be the best example for true varietal character, but it’s tasty for the price.

The Rating Chart