The King of Reds: Raise a Glass for National Cabernet Sauvignon Day

August 28 marks National Cabernet Day, a chance to celebrate the King of Red Grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most iconic varietals, known for its bold flavors, firm tannins, and incredible ability to age. From its classic Old World roots in Bordeaux to powerful expressions in Napa, Washington, and beyond, Cabernet has become a truly global grape and every region adds its own stamp of character.

Whether you prefer a plush California Cab, a structured Bordeaux, or a value-driven Chilean option, there’s a bottle out there for you. Here are some regional highlights to inspire your National Cabernet Day pour.

Why We Celebrate National Cabernet Day: A Grape with Global Influence

One of the reasons we celebrate National Cabernet Sauvignon Day is the grape’s ability to thrive in diverse climates, producing world-class wines across the globe. Before diving into the regions, it’s worth noting what makes Cabernet Sauvignon so special. Born in Bordeaux in the 17th century as a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, it quickly became one of the most widely planted and recognized grapes in the world. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse climates while maintaining its signature structure and dark-fruited personality. Known for its bold flavors, firm tannins, and incredible aging potential, Cabernet has adapted beautifully to climates across the globe, showcasing unique expressions while maintaining its unmistakable character. Today, it is equally at home in Bordeaux blends, Napa Valley icons, and fresh, exciting expressions from emerging regions like South Africa.

Bordeaux, France – The Origins of Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon’s story begins in Bordeaux, where it first emerged as a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in the 17th century. On the Left Bank of Bordeaux, in communes like Pauillac and Margaux, the grape is the backbone of world-famous blends that balance blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, and spice. The maritime climate and gravelly soils give Bordeaux Cabernets their signature structure and ageability, often requiring years to fully reveal their elegance. These wines are the benchmark against which all other Cabernets are measured.

If you want to taste Cabernet Sauvignon in its original home, these Bordeaux estates show just how timeless the grape can be.

• Château Léoville Las Cases (Saint-Julien, ~$250)
  Bold and structured with cassis, pencil shavings, and earthy spice. Known for its longevity and power.
• Château Lynch-Bages (Pauillac, ~$175)
  Generous black fruit, cedar, and savory tobacco notes. A Fifth Growth with a reputation for punching well above its class.
• Château Meyney (Saint-Estèphe, ~$60)
  Excellent value Bordeaux, showing blackberry, smoke, and firm tannins. Approachable yet still age-worthy.

Napa Valley – Celebrating National Cabernet Day in California’s Iconic Wine Country

Across the Atlantic, Napa Valley has become nearly synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon. The region earned global fame after the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Napa is known for lush, full-bodied wines with ripe fruit and spice. Volcanic hillsides and alluvial valley floors each add their own character. The result is Cabernets that are powerful, layered, and velvety. Expect cassis, blackberry, and baking spice wrapped in supple tannins. Napa’s sunshine-filled days and cool nights make these wines both luxurious and deeply expressive.

Here are a few standout Cabernets from Napa that capture the valley’s signature style.

• St. Supéry 2013 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($165)
  Rutherford dust meets elegance — layered with cassis, dark plum, mocha, and fine-grained tannins. A classic example of power balanced by finesse.
• Sequoia Grove 2018 Tonella Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($125)
  Rich and expressive with blackberry, cedar, and savory spice. The structure here is polished, making it both cellar-worthy and enjoyable now.
• Trefethen 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon ($75)
  Bright and approachable with blackberry, cherry, and a hint of dried herbs. Fresh acidity keeps it lively, making this a versatile Napa Cab.
• Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon ($85)
  Silky and layered with blackberry, baking spice, and vanilla. Classic Stag’s Leap elegance with supple tannins and a long finish.

Washington State Cabernet – A National Cabernet Day Favorite from the Pacific Northwest

Further north, Washington State has carved out a distinct style of Cabernet Sauvignon that bridges Old World restraint with New World fruit. The Columbia Valley’s high-desert climate brings warm days, cool nights, and very little rainfall, resulting in concentrated flavors balanced by refreshing acidity. Walla Walla, Red Mountain, and Horse Heaven Hills are particularly renowned for producing structured, age-worthy Cabernets that highlight dark fruit, savory herbs, and refined tannins. Washington Cabernets often offer remarkable quality and value, appealing to both collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.

To experience Washington’s unique balance of power and precision, these bottles are excellent places to start.

• Mullan Road Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($45)
  Dark berry and cocoa on the nose with hints of spice and tobacco. Balanced, structured, and one of Washington’s best values.
• Januik Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($60)
  Concentrated blackcurrant, plum, and espresso. Firm tannins give this wine grip while oak aging adds depth and polish.
• Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($85)
  Crafted by Napa legend Randy Dunn, Feather is powerful and refined with blackberry, graphite, and savory herbs. A standout in Washington Cab.
• DeLille Cellars Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($80)
  Blending fruit from four top vineyards, this wine shows ripe cassis, black cherry, and toasty oak. Structured and age-worthy.

Chile – Bold Reds to Explore on National Cabernet Sauvignon Day

South America has also embraced Cabernet Sauvignon, with Chile leading the way. The Maipo Valley, nestled at the foot of the Andes, produces some of the country’s most iconic Cabs, wines that are deeply colored, full-bodied, and marked by notes of blackberry, tobacco, and eucalyptus. Chile’s Mediterranean climate and unique geography, with cool breezes from both the Andes and the Pacific, create near-perfect growing conditions. What makes Chilean Cabernet especially exciting is the combination of quality and accessibility: you’ll find both prestigious, age-worthy bottles and excellent everyday options that deliver complexity without the hefty price tag.

Chile offers some of the best expressions of Cabernet at both luxury and everyday levels — here are two to explore.

• Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (~$120)
  Elegant and layered with blackberry, chocolate, and hints of eucalyptus. Chile’s most iconic Cabernet.
• Cousiño-Macul Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ($20)
  Juicy and approachable, with plum, cassis, and a touch of spice. A great everyday Cabernet at an unbeatable price.

Australia’s Cabernet Sauvignon – From Coonawarra to Margaret River

In Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon finds two especially noteworthy homes: Coonawarra and Margaret River. Coonawarra’s famous “terra rossa” soils produce Cabernets with a distinctive minty freshness alongside flavors of cassis and dark cherry. Margaret River, on the other hand, offers a more maritime influence, resulting in elegant, medium-bodied wines with fine tannins and subtle herbal notes. Both regions demonstrate how Cabernet adapts beautifully to Australia’s diverse terroirs, creating wines that are sophisticated yet approachable.

In Australia, Cabernet takes on a distinctive character shaped by its diverse terroirs. These picks highlight its range.

• Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 ($30)
  Vibrant with blackcurrant, bay leaf, and subtle earthy undertones. Fresh acidity makes it a food-friendly Cabernet.
• Elderton Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($36)
  Ripe and plush, offering blackberry, licorice, and baking spice. A generous, crowd-pleasing style.

Emerging Regions

Beyond these established powerhouses, Cabernet Sauvignon is thriving in newer frontiers as well. Lake County in Northern California is gaining recognition for its high-elevation vineyards and volcanic soils, which produce vibrant, mineral-driven wines. South Africa, particularly Stellenbosch, has also made its mark, crafting bold Cabernets that balance ripe fruit with earthy undertones. These emerging regions showcase Cabernet’s versatility and reinforce its status as a truly global grape.

South Africa continues to impress with Cabernets that balance ripe fruit with earthy depth. This bottle is a great introduction.

• Riebeek Cellars ‘Never Look Back’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (~$20)
  Dark cherry and blackberry are lifted by soft tannins and a hint of spice. An easy-drinking, value-driven Cabernet that still delivers character.

A Toast to Cabernet

From Bordeaux’s timeless elegance to Napa’s bold opulence, Washington’s balance, Chile’s accessibility, and Australia’s unique flair, Cabernet Sauvignon continues to capture the imagination of winemakers and wine lovers alike. This National Cabernet Day, raise a glass to the grape that has conquered the globe while still speaking in the distinct accents of its many homes.

If you’re planning your own tasting, you might also enjoy revisiting our Pinot Noir picks or exploring white wines worth sipping for a lighter pour