10 Bold New World Cabernet Sauvignons | Wine Enthusiast
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10 Bold New World Cabernet Sauvignons

First produced in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon has spread to New and Old World regions alike, and it makes sense as to why. This grape set the standard for ageable reds, and its tannic nature allow it to develop unique flavors depending on where in the world it’s grown. So from California, Argentina and Washington, here are some of our favorite New World Cabernet Sauvignons.

Heitz 2012 Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley); $85, 94 points. From a certified-organic vineyard in Rutherford, this is a 100% varietal wine that impresses from start to finish, allowing room for a slight whiff of reduction and tar on the nose. Dark notions of coffee are interwoven between bright layers of cassis and red cherry around structured acidity and oak. Enjoy 2020–2028. Cellar Selection. —Virginie Boone

Luca 2016 Beso De Dante Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (Uco Valley); $41, 93 points. Large-scale berry aromas are foresty and mossy, with a black pepper note providing spice. This Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon blend is dense and chewy, with bright acidity affording balance. Blackberry and cassis flavors are full and fresh, not baked and jammy. On the finish, this is at one moment savory and the next it’s slightly raisiny. Drink through 2025. Vine Connections. —Michael Schachner

Michael David 2015 Rapture Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi); $59, 93 points. Smooth and fruity, this indulgent wine is a new luxury-level offering from one of Lodi’s most adventurous winemakers. It drenches the palate with extraripe blackberry and blueberry fruit, alongside a polished, creamy texture that helps the flavors cling on the finish. It is a deeply colored, full-bodied and moderately tannic wine. Editors’ Choice.—Jim Gordon

Daou 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles); $28, 92 points. This is a great way to experience the richness of Daou without hurting the bank account too much. Hedonistic aromas of candied black cherry, caramel, vanilla cake and cola lead into a rich and powerful palate that’s soft in texture and lively with exotic plum and black currant flavors. Editors’ Choice. —Matt Kettmann

J. Bookwalter 2015 Volume 5 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley); $75, 92 points. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine hails from the esteemed Dionysus Vineyard. Reserved aromas of fresh herbs, coffee, bittersweet chocolate, cherries, raspberries and plums are followed by plentiful dark fruit and chocolate flavors. It’s all about subtlety and nuance, with enough structure to go the distance. —Sean P. Sullivan

DeLille 2014 Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain); $160, 92 points. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brings brooding notes of macerated black cherries, graphite, cedar, cassis, herb and barrel spice. Far from a big bruiser, the palate is all about nuance and sophistication, with impeccable balance, well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Best 2022–2027. —S.P.S.

Involuntary Commitment 2016 Red (Columbia Valley); $19, 91 points. This neutral French oak-aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is a side project from the folks at Andrew Will. Its aromas draw you into the glass, evoking savory herbs, cherries, tangerine peel, fresh tobacco, green pepper and black olives. The palate brings pure, textured, seamless fruit and savory flavors that sail into the distance. Editors’ Choice. —S.P.S.

Antigal 2014 Aduentus Classic Red (Mendoza); $28, 91 points. Very ripe and heady aromas of blackberry, cassis and creamy oak take you back to the time when Mendoza was all about big extracted bruisers. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is wide, tannic and grabby. Flavors of cola, chocolate and baked black fruits finish chocolaty and oaky to the last gasp. Cork Alliance. —M.S.

Bodegas Caro 2015 Amancaya Reserve Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza); $20, 88 points. Earthy berry and tomato aromas include a note of graphite. This Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon blend feels full and chunky but not all that structured or exact. Oaky raspberry and plum flavors finish quietly, with hints of brown sugar and leftover woodiness. Esprit du Vin. —M.S.

Mad Housewife 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (California); $13, 89 points. Great balance and tasty red-cherry and raspberry flavors make this medium-bodied non-oaky wine very attractive and honest-tasting. It has good concentration, a smooth mouthfeel and just a slight touch of tannin for an appetizing texture. Best Buy. –Jim Gordon