By Matt Check, Winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse
Introduction
Cabernet is more than a wine—it’s a benchmark. As a winemaker, I’ve worked with many varietals, but Cabernet continues to be one of the most rewarding. Known for its bold character, robust flavor, and ability to age, Cabernet—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon—is beloved by wine drinkers across all experience levels. At Cellar Beast, we approach Cabernet with reverence for tradition and an eye for terroir, primarily through our sourcing in Yakima Valley and Red Mountain.
What Is Cabernet Wine?
Cabernet generally refers to two main varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon is the more widely known, born from a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, a white grape. This makes it one of the most intriguing and versatile wines, capable of developing a complex aroma of blackcurrants and black fruit notes. It originated in Bordeaux but has become a cornerstone of regions like Napa Valley, Anderson Valley, and Washington’s Columbia Valley. Cabernet Franc, meanwhile, is lighter, more aromatic, and often blended—but it can also stand firm on its own, as we've explored in our Super Tuscan-inspired blends.
Cabernet Flavor Profile & Characteristics
Primary Flavors
Expect powerful notes of black currant, black cherry, blackberry fruit, and sometimes green bell pepper flavour—a signature trait from the bell pepper compound found in cooler climates. Our Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits lush black fruit flavors, while the Yakima Valley expressions showcase vibrant fruit and herbal notes.
Aromatics & Complexity
Cabernet is layered, with familiar secondary aromas including dark chocolate, tobacco, oak spice, and even black pepper. These captivating flavors create a dynamic tasting experience. At Cellar Beast, our restrained oak program brings out the natural integrity of the wine's fruit-driven character.
Structure
This is a full-bodied red wine with lush tannins, vibrant acidity, and serious aging potential. The balance in acidity and perception of tannins makes it ideal for collectors, chefs, and casual wine lovers alike.
Cabernet Growing Regions Around the World
- Bordeaux, France – the historic home of Cabernet-based wines.
- Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – bold and rich, like those from Titus Napa Valley Cabernet or Duckhorn Vineyards.
- Yakima Valley / Red Mountain – home to our most expressive and terroir-specific fruit.
- Chile, South Africa (African wine industry), Australia (Barossa Valley) – showcasing a wide variety of grapes and styles from cool to warm climates.
Cabernet at Cellar Beast Winehouse
At Cellar Beast, we specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and single-vineyard expressions. We believe in artful balance—highlighting bold flavors while allowing the terroir to take center stage. Our Columbia Valley sources provide us with wines featuring blackcurrant pencil box aromas and a clean finish that rivals many Californian cult wines. We avoid inefficient packaging and focus on crafting small-lot wines with big, assertive wine profiles.
Food Pairings for Cabernet
- Classic Pairings: Ribeye steak, lamb chops, hard cheeses
- Unexpected Pairings: Grilled portobello mushrooms, bitter dishes like charred radicchio, dark chocolate desserts
Whether you're hosting a movie night or planning a wine tasting dinner, these pairings help highlight Cabernet's rich flavor and structured tannins.
Aging & Cellaring Cabernet Wines
Cabernet is a true cellar-worthy Wine, with the ability to age for 10–30 years, depending on the vintage and producer. Store in a cool, dark space with consistent temperature and humidity to experience evolving notes like dried fruit and leather.
Cabernet vs Other Red Wines: How It Stands Out
Compared to Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Syrah, Cabernet stands out with bold fruit, more structured tannins, and a longer aging potential. Its bolder fruit flavours and complex bouquet make it ideal for both immediate enjoyment and long-term collection.
Shop Cellar Beast Cabernet Wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – Red Mountain fruit, aged 18 months in French oak. Award-winning Cabernet is perfect as a gift of Cabernet wine.
- Cabernet Franc Blend – Elegant, structured, and vibrant. Great for food pairing.
Buy Cabernet online and join our wine club Cabernet program for access to limited premium Cabernet Sauvignon and seasonal releases. We offer cabernet wine delivery straight to your home.
FAQs About Cabernet
What is Cabernet wine known for? It boasts a robust structure, bold fruit, and aging potential.
Is Cabernet always dry? Yes. It is a dry wine with firm tannins and no residual sugar.
What’s the difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc? Sauvignon is fuller and darker; Franc is lighter with more herbal and floral qualities.
Can I age Cabernet at home? Absolutely—ensure it's appropriately stored to enjoy how the wine ages over time.
Conclusion
Cabernet remains the king of red wines for good reason. From its historic roots in Bordeaux to its acclaimed California-grown red wines and exciting expressions from Red Mountain and Yakima Valley, it's a wine that rewards patience and curiosity. At Cellar Beast, we’re proud to produce high-end Cabernet Sauvignon that tells a story with every sip.
Shop Cabernet wine for sale and taste the bold difference.
About the Author
Matt Check is Co-Founder and Winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse, where he blends technical mastery with creative flair. With a background that bridges music and winemaking, Matt’s hands-on approach and sensory precision shape every bottle that leaves the cellar. He’s particularly passionate about crafting structured, terroir-driven reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, from esteemed regions like Red Mountain and Yakima Valley. Matt brings a deep respect for Old World tradition while embracing sustainable, small-lot production. His ability to draw out bold flavors and balance them with finesse makes him uniquely qualified to guide readers through the complexities of Cabernet, the king of red wines.
