Introduction
Cabernet Sauvignon—affectionately known in the wine world as Cab Sauv—is a king among red grapes. Revered for its bold tannins, rich dark fruit character, and age-worthy structure, it’s a varietal that commands attention. At Cellar Beast Winehouse, we take this classic grape seriously, treating each small-lot batch with the care and patience it deserves. As Head Winemaker, I’ve had the pleasure of coaxing out its best qualities, from Meek Vineyard’s fertile Yakima Valley soils to the iconic Red Mountain AVA. Let me show you why this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine is not only one of our proudest expressions, but also one you’ll want in your glass tonight.
What is Cab Sauv?
Cabernet Sauvignon originated in Bordeaux, France, the result of a natural crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc—yes, a red and a white grape! It quickly became a staple in Cabernet-based Bordeaux blends, prized for its deep color, high tannins, and remarkable ageability.
Today, you’ll find Cab Sauv flourishing in regions as diverse as Napa Valley, Barossa Valley, and Colchagua Valley. But some of our most expressive fruit comes from the Columbia Valley, especially Red Mountain and Yakima—areas defined by gravelly soils and stark day-night temperature swings that enhance black fruit flavors and firm tannins.
Yakima Valley
How Cabernet Sauvignon is Made
Cab Sauv thrives in both warm climates and cooler climate conditions, adapting its flavor and tannin structure to the environment. At Cellar Beast, we’re sourcing fruit from Meek Vineyard (Yakima) and the Shaw sites (Scooteney Flats, Red Heaven, Quintessence) in Red Mountain AVA, among others. Each vineyard has its expression—Quintessence yields concentrated fruit flavors with muscular tannins. At the same time, Meek delivers bolder fruit flavors and a touch of herbaceousness, reminiscent of the classic green bell pepper note Cabernet Sauvignon is known for.
In the winery, we honor traditional methods—whole-berry fermentation, extended 10-21 day maceration periods, and French oak aging—to allow complexity to shine. This small-batch, hands-on approach results in assertive wines that retain elegance and poise.
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
Expect your Cellar Beast Cab Sauv to open with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and dark chocolate, followed by hints of cedar cigar boxes and black pepper. On the palate, you’ll find a bold, full-bodied wine that wraps firm, structured tannins around layers of ripe fruit flavors, from black fruits to spiced vanilla. With time in the bottle, expect the perception of tannins to mellow and the flavorful wines to evolve beautifully.
Blind tastings consistently show our Cabs outperforming expectations—even earning internal nods rivaling “91 Points – Wine Enthusiast” scores. These are classic wines with a distinct Cellar Beast signature.
Perfect Food Pairings
Cab Sauv's bold profile makes it a natural partner for richly flavored foods:
- Steak, lamb, venison – grilled or braised, these meats balance the wine’s high tannins
- Aged cheeses – sharp cheddar or aged gouda match its intensity
- Mushroom risotto or eggplant parmesan – great vegetarian pairings that bring out the wine’s earthy notes
- And don’t forget a square of dark chocolate to end the night.
Shop Cab Sauv from Cellar Beast
Explore our current Cabernet Sauvignon releases:
- 2022 Shaw / Quintessence Cab Sauv – Deep, structured, and cellar-worthy.
- 2023 Meek Vineyard Cab Sauv – Fruit-forward, velvety, and perfect for now. Buy it now!
- 2024 Candy Mountain Vineyard Cab Sauv – A new standout, brimming with spice and energy.
Order your bottle today with premium Cab Sauv delivery, or better yet, join our red wine subscription box for exclusive access. Our online wine club Cab Sauv offerings let you taste across vintages and AVAs—perfect for curious connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Conclusion
Whether you're hosting a dinner, planning a blind tasting, or simply unwinding with a glass of something bold, Cab Sauv from Cellar Beast will elevate the moment. Each vintage offers a unique take on this French wine grape, revealing the grape variety’s power and finesse. Buy Cabernet Sauvignon online today and taste the journey from vineyard to bottle—crafted with obsession and precision.
About the Author
Matt Check is the Head Winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse. With roots in small-production, site-driven winemaking, Matt brings a hands-on, sensory-focused approach to each vintage. From vineyard walks in Red Mountain AVA to punch-downs in the cellar, Matt’s dedication ensures every bottle captures the essence of the land and the heart of the grape. When he's not crafting bold red wines, you’ll find him exploring old-school French texts and refining techniques inspired by his heroes—from Bordeaux masters to Carole Meredith’s genetic revelations.
