by Aaron Gratch, Winemaker and Tasting Room Manager for Cellar Beast Winehouse
From the poised elegance of Pinot Noir to the bold strength of Cabernet Sauvignon, wine lovers often debate which red wine reigns supreme. If you're browsing the wine aisle or scouring an online wine shop, it helps to know how these iconic grape varieties differ in flavor profile, structure, food pairings, and aging potential. As Cellar Beast’s Winemaker and Sommelier, I’ve crafted both with precision—from cold soak to barrel aging in French oak barrels—to showcase what makes each one unforgettable.
Whether you’re here to buy Pinot Noir online, find the best Cabernet Sauvignon for steak, or order a Cabernet Sauvignon gift set for a friend, this guide will steer your selection and elevate your understanding of red wines from world-class wine regions.
Buy Cellar Beast's Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon online!
Flavor Profiles: Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir: Light, Elegant, and Earth-Driven
The Pinot Noir grape is known for its subtle red fruit, floral aromatics, and earthy undertones. It produces a lighter wine color, softer tannin levels, and lower phenolic content—making it a go-to for delicate palates. Our 2023 Pinot Noir Reserve, sourced from Santa Maria Valley, Anderson Valley, and Tukwilla Vineyard in Dundee Hills, OR, is an example of premium Pinot Noir for sale that rivals offerings from Burgundy, France, New Zealand's Central Otago, California’s Sonoma Coast, and Oregon's Willamette Valley.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold, Structured, and Layered
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape offers dense black fruit, graphite, cocoa, and dried herb notes with firm tannins and a long finish. It's a hallmark of full-bodied red wine shops and ideal for collectors. Our 2023 Yakima Valley Cabernet Sauvignon—sourced from Meek Vineyard and aged in neutral French oak—delivers flavor complexity and ageability, rivaling classics from Napa Valley, Maipo Valley, South Africa, Okanagan Valley, Australia's Coonawarra, and Chateau Margaux.
Tasting Notes: Quick Comparison
- Body:
- Pinot Noir: Light
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Full
- Fruit Expression:
- Pinot Noir: Cherry, Cranberry
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Blackberry, Blackcurrant
- Tannins:
- Pinot Noir: Low
- Cabernet Sauvignon: High
- Oak Aging:
- Pinot Noir: Subtle
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Pronounced
- Notable Regions:
- Pinot Noir: Willamette Valley, Sonoma Coast, Burgundy
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Bordeaux, Napa Valley
Food Pairings: What Goes Best with Each Wine?
Pinot Noir Loves Light & Earthy Dishes
Ideal with:
- Mushroom risotto
- Roast duck or turkey
- Grilled salmon
- Truffle pasta, brie, or creamy soft cheeses
Cabernet Sauvignon Thrives with Hearty Dishes
Perfect with:
- Grilled steak
- Braised lamb or venison
- BBQ ribs
- Aged cheeses and sharp cheddar
Whether you're planning a dinner or debating Pinot Noir vs Cabernet for dinner, matching wine and food unlocks depth and richness. Great food and wine pairings bring both elements to life.
Climate, Soil, and Region: Where Great Wines Begin
Pinot Noir
- Thrives in cool climates with limestone and alluvial soil types
- Notable regions: Oregon Willamette Valley, Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Anderson Valley, Burgundy, France, New Zealand's Central Otago, Monterey County
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Prefers warm climates with gravel, clay, or volcanic soils
- Notable regions: Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Livermore Valley, Coonawarra, South Africa, Chile's Maipo Valley, Napa Valley, Bordeaux, France
Our vineyard partnerships reflect precision in grape growing, understanding harvesting periods, and the relationship between soil type and oak barrels. At Cellar Beast, we let the land speak—through controlled barrel type choices and minimalist intervention.
Price and Accessibility: Which Wine Should You Choose?
Pinot Noir
- Moderate to high, depending on price range and origin
- Cellar Beast 2023 Pinot Noir Reserve: $52
- Comparable to elite offerings from Jackson Estate, Concannon Vineyard, and top-tier California wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Wide price range from accessible to iconic
- Cellar Beast 2023 Yakima Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $37.99 (or $34.99 for Wine Club members)
- An excellent bottle to include in a Vintner’s Reserve or Grand Reserve collection
Buying Tips from Cellar Beast Winehouse
- Order wine online in the USA via our secure online wine shop
- Browse Cellar Beast red wines or curated tasting bundles
- Join our best red wine subscription for early access to rare wines
- Gifting? Explore a Cabernet Sauvignon gift set or Pinot bundle
- All orders include free shipping options for convenience and freshness
FAQ: Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon
- What is the difference between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon? Pinot is light and nuanced; Cab is bold and structured.
- Which wine is better with steak? Cabernet Sauvignon—its grippy tannins complement hearty dishes.
- Is Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon sweeter? Both are dry; Pinot has more perceived brightness.
- Which red wine is smoother? Pinot Noir is typically smoother and softer.
- What food pairs best with Cabernet Sauvignon? Steak, lamb, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.
- Which is more collectible? Cabernet—due to its structure and aging potential.
- Can I order online? Yes, Cellar Beast offers both fast delivery and free shipping.
- Is Cabernet Sauvignon stronger than Pinot Noir? Yes—higher alcohol and tannin levels.
- Which wine should I serve at a dinner party? Pinot Noir for versatility; Cabernet for indulgence.
About the Author
Aaron Gratch is Winemaker & Tasting Room Manager at Cellar Beast Winehouse. With a Level III Sommelier certification and background in wine preservation, barrel aging, and sensory evaluation, Aaron oversees all aspects of production—from selecting Concannon Clones to comparing wine labels and managing oak aging. He’s guided tastings for everyone from wine novices to NFL legends like John Elway and shares his deep love for wine across Cellar Beast’s educational experiences, crafting some of the finest red wines and white wines on the East Coast.
Explore our collection today and order wine online. Whether you’re seeking a bottle from California Sonoma Coast, a Pinot Grigio to chill, or a Cabernet Sauvignon to cellar, Cellar Beast has the flavor profile and craftsmanship to elevate your next glass.
