Introduction
Hi, I’m Matt Check, Head Winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse. Among the varietal wines we craft here, Cabernet Sauvignon stands tall—not only as a global favorite but also as one of the most misunderstood. A question I hear all the time, especially from newer wine drinkers, is: “Is Cabernet Sauvignon sweet?”
Spoiler: it’s not. But it’s easy to see where the confusion comes from, this is a wine that explodes with dark fruit notes, layered oak influence, and richness on the palate. With our 2023 vintage, crafted from premier Yakima Valley grapes, we’ve embraced those bold characteristics while keeping it true to its roots as a dry red wine. You can order Cabernet Sauvignon, purchase small batch red wine, or reserve red wine online right now from Cellar Beast Winehouse.
Buy Celler Beast 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon now!
What Defines Wine Sweetness?
Sweetness in wine is more than just what your taste buds tell you—it's a science rooted in residual sugar. That’s the unfermented sugar left over after the fermentation process. Wines with less than 4g/L of residual sugar are considered dry; anything above that starts tipping toward off-dry, semi-sweet, or sweet.
However, your perception of sweetness is influenced by more than sugar. For instance, oak aging can add notes of vanilla and spice, tannic structure creates grip and balance, and fruit-forward aromas (like ripe cherry or plum) can fool you into thinking a wine is sweeter than it is.
So while Cabernet Sauvignon might smell or taste fruity, it’s nearly always fermented to dryness, as seen in exceptionally high-quality bottlings like ours.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon Sweet or Dry?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry red wine, not sweet. This holds whether it’s from Napa Valley, Maipo Valley in South America, or the Red Mountain AVA of Washington State, where we source from sites like Quintessence, Red Heaven, and Scooteney Flats.
Our 2023 Cellar Beast Cabernet Sauvignon delivers bold, structured flavors with rich aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and dried herbs. The subtle influence of neutral French oak barrels adds depth—touches of graphite, cocoa, and spice. This isn't just a wine for now; its aging potential makes it ideal for long-term cellaring in your wine fridge or for collectors who appreciate wines built to evolve. Read about Cabernet Sauvignon's Flavor and Characteristics hee.
How Cabernet Sauvignon Compares to Other Red Wine Varietals
When considering wine taste and sweetness level, it's helpful to stack Cabernet Sauvignon next to other varietal wines:
- Merlot is smoother and more plush, often with softer tannins and less acid.
- Pinot Noir is lighter-bodied, with red fruit notes and less oak influence.
- Zinfandel is sometimes late harvest or jammy—richer and perceived as sweeter even when dry.
On the other end of the scale, lovely reds include Ice Wine, Tawny Port, and some South African or Yarra Valley fortified wines. These are made with intentionally high residual sugar and concentrated through techniques like freezing, drying, or noble rot (Botrytis). Learn more about Cab Sauv here.
Who Should Drink Cabernet Sauvignon?
If you love wines that are layered, structured, and bold—not sugary—then Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural fit. Our 2023 vintage is perfect for fans of:
- Red wine for a steak dinner
- Bold red wines for sale
- Wine gifts for red wine lovers
- Wine club dry reds
Flavor-wise, expect a core of black fruits, hints of cedar and pencil shavings (thanks to time in oak barrels), and a lingering savory finish that pairs seamlessly with balsamic glaze–coated meats or a Sunday roast.
Shop Cellar Beast Cabernet and Similar Wines
At Cellar Beast Winehouse, we don’t just make Cabernet—we celebrate it. Our 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon from Yakima Valley is crafted with fruit from elite vineyards like Meek and Candy Mountain. Every lot is fermented separately, allowing us to tailor our harvesting techniques, manage grape skins contact, and preserve that authentic flavor profile. Continue learning about Cabernet Red Wine here.
Yakima Valley
You can shop dry red wines, discover Cabernet Franc, or try our Dark Angel blend—a powerhouse of Carménèreand Petit Verdot aged for over 17 months. Whether you're browsing from Macy’s Wine Shop, checking your shopping cart and postal code on our website, or building a curated cellar, we’ve got you covered.
And if you're curious to try before buying? Join a red wine tasting near me or visit our Lehigh Valley tasting room—guided by our team of sommeliers and winemakers.
Conclusion
So, is Cabernet Sauvignon sweet? Absolutely not. But it’s rich, complex, and satisfying in a way only dry, structured wines can be. Our 2023 Yakima Valley bottling is a shining example, available now for dry red wine delivery wherever we ship. Buy Cabernet Sauvignon online, or join our wine club for dry reds and let boldness come straight to your door.
About the Author
Matt Check is Head Winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse. With over a decade of hands-on experience in small-lot winemaking, Matt brings a philosophy rooted in balance, site expression, and minimalist intervention. After joining Cellar Beast in 2022, he led the development of the winery’s flagship reds, including the Dark Angel and the 2023 Yakima Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing on experience with fermentation dynamics, vineyard sourcing from the Left Bank to the Barossa Valley, and techniques shaped by legends of UC Davis and French wine critics, Matt crafts wines with soul and aging potential. Every bottle tells a story—one that begins with soil, sun, and a little bit of science.
Next Reads: No, Cab Isn’t Sweet—Here’s What Actually Matters
You’ve cleared up the sweetness confusion. Now it’s time to learn how Cab really behaves in the glass and on the plate.
- Cabernet Sauvignon 101: Taste, Food Pairings, and Winemaking Explained – Turn “not sweet” into a more useful vocabulary: tannin, acidity, body.
- Cabernet Sauvignon Grape: Flavor, Tannin & Color Profile – Learn how structure, not sugar, defines Cab’s personality.
- Cabernet Red Wine Guide: Taste, Pairings & Best Bottles to Buy – Put your clarified expectations to work in the wine shop.
- Best Red Wines for Beginners in PA – Smooth & Fruity Picks – For friends who aren’t ready for full-throttle Cab yet—but will be.
- Best Dry Red Wines to Try in 2025 with Pairing Tips & Top Picks – See where Cab sits among other truly dry, food-friendly reds.
After this, you’ll never confuse “ripe fruit” with “sweet wine” again.
