Top Cabernet Sauvignon Brands: Elevate Your Wine Experience

Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the world's most popular red wines, is synonymous with bold flavors and rich textures that wine enthusiasts across the globe savor. Many renowned brands have mastered the art of crafting this exquisite varietal, each offering distinct notes that cater to diverse palates. From the prestigious vineyards of Napa Valley to the sun-drenched wineries of Australia, the selection of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons is both wide and varied. For a detailed exploration of the best brands that have captured the essence of this iconic wine, see below.

Illustration of cabernet sauvignon

Best brands of cabernet sauvignon in 2025

Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi Winery is renowned as one of the premier producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly from the esteemed To Kalon Vineyard in Napa Valley, California. Founded in 1966 by Robert Mondavi, the winery has been recognized globally for its exceptional quality, including being named "The Best Vineyard in North America" by The World's Best Vineyards Academy in 2019. The 2019 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville The Estates, for example, received a 94-score and is made from carefully selected grapes, employing organic farming practices and native yeast fermentations. For more details, visit their official website.

Silver Oak Cellars

Silver Oak Cellars, founded in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer, is renowned for producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in California, exclusively aging their wines in American oak. They focus solely on Cabernet Sauvignon, sourcing high-quality fruit from prime vineyards in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley, resulting in complex and delicious wines. The 2019 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, is a blend of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.9% Merlot, and 0.4% Petit Verdot, and has received a 95-point score from Decanter. Their wines are known for their drinkability upon release and their potential for long-term cellaring. Silver Oak's wineries are also LEED Platinum Certified, highlighting their commitment to sustainability. To explore their exquisite wine offerings, visit their official website.

Caymus Vineyards

Caymus Vineyards is renowned as one of the best producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, with a legacy spanning over five decades since its founding in 1972 by Chuck Wagner and his parents, Charlie and Lorna Wagner. The winery, located in the heart of Napa Valley, has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Gold Medal wins at the Decanter World Wine Awards and a consistent rating of 90 points or higher from Wine Spectator across multiple vintages. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its dark, concentrated, and fruit-driven style, with sufficient tannins for long-term bottle aging. Notably, their Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon has been awarded "Wine of the Year" by Wine Spectator twice, in 1984 and 1990. With an alcohol percentage of 14.0-14.4%, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignons are a testament to the Wagner family's commitment to quality and excellence.

Kendall-Jackson

Kendall-Jackson is renowned as one of the best producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, with a legacy that spans over 40 years since its founding by Jess Jackson in 1982. The winery has been consistently recognized for its excellence, including being named a Top 100 Winery Of The Year by Wine And Spirits magazine, an honor they have received ten times since 1988. Their Cabernet Sauvignons, such as the Jackson Estate Hawkeye from Alexander Valley, have garnered gold medals in competitions like the Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters. Kendall-Jackson's wines are known for their rich, full-bodied flavors and high tannins, with an average alcohol by volume (ABV) of 13.5% to 15%. The winery's commitment to sustainability and innovative winemaking techniques, led by Head Winemaker Randy Ullom, has set industry standards. Learn more about their renowned wines and journey in winemaking on their Cabernet Sauvignon 101 blog.

Chateau Montelena

Chateau Montelena is renowned as one of the premier producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly after its historic win at the 1976 Judgement of Paris, where its 1973 Chardonnay took top honors, but the winery's true ambition has always been in producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons. The 2019 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, is composed of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.5% Cabernet Franc, and 0.5% Petit Verdot, and it spent approximately two years in barrel and two years in bottle before release. This wine is characterized by its deep ruby color, aromatics of blackberry and plum, and earthy, dark tannins. The winery's commitment to quality is evident in its use of high-quality oak, with 28% new barrels used in the aging process of the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. Chateau Montelena's wines are known for their balance, elegance, and age-ability, making them a staple in any serious wine collection. For more insights into their top wines, explore their profile on Decanter.

Ridge Vineyards

Ridge Vineyards is renowned as one of the best producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly with its iconic Monte Bello wine, which has earned the winery three consecutive awards as "Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas" at the Golden Vines Awards. The 2021 Monte Bello vintage is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% Cabernet Franc, known for its balanced and age-worthy profile with an ABV of around 13%. This wine, produced from a unique microclimate at 790 meters in the Santa Cruz mountains, has been compared to Sassicaia and has a long history of excellence, including a fifth-place finish in the 1976 "Judgment of Paris" and a number one ranking in the 30th anniversary retesting. Ridge Vineyards' commitment to traditional methods and emphasis on the natural terroir have contributed to its international reputation. The winery's history dates back to 1885, with significant contributions from Paul Draper, who joined in 1969. Learn more about their achievements and history on Ridge Vineyards' official website.

Beringer Vineyards

Beringer Vineyards is renowned as one of the best producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, with a rich history dating back to 1868 when Jacob and Frederick Beringer founded the winery in Napa Valley. This iconic winery has received numerous accolades, including being named "American Winery of the Year" by Wine Spectator in 1997. The 2017 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has garnered high praise, with scores of 98 points from James Suckling and 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck, highlighting its exceptional quality and aging potential. Beringer's commitment to excellence is evident in its use of constant temperature tunnels for aging, a technique pioneered by the Beringer brothers. With its wines widely recognized for their depth, structure, and aging potential, Beringer Vineyards remains a testament to Napa Valley's storied past and promising future. Read the wine review of 2017 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chimney Rock Winery

Chimney Rock Winery is renowned for producing some of the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignons, particularly from the esteemed Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. Their 2021 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, rated 95 points and ranked #5 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2024, showcases a deep red color with a purple hue, abundant aromas of black cherry, mocha, and subtle hints of mint and floral notes. This wine is a blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, often combined with smaller percentages of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, such as the 2019 vintage which is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The winery's 134-acre estate features 28 distinctive vineyard blocks, contributing to the wine's complex and elegant profile. Chimney Rock's wines are known for their power, finesse, and aging potential. Explore more about their exquisite Stags Leap District Cabernet.

Duckhorn Vineyards

Duckhorn Vineyards is renowned as one of the premier producers of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, with a legacy spanning nearly 50 years since its founding in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn. The 2019 Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, has received a 95-point rating from James Suckling and a 93-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its rich, age-worthy tannins and complex flavors. This wine is aged for 24 months, including 18 months in new French oak and 6 months in neutral barrels. Duckhorn Vineyards has been named one of the "Top 100 Wineries" in the world eight times by Wine & Spirits and has produced wines that have been recognized as Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator. The winery's commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in its meticulous vineyard management and winemaking processes.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is renowned as one of the premier producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, having achieved international recognition with its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon, which won the top red wine honor at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, outscoring prestigious French wines like Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion. Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, the winery is located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley and is celebrated for its estate-grown wines, including the iconic Cask 23, SLV, FAY, and Artemis labels. The winery's philosophy emphasizes sustainable farming practices and a focus on terroir, with wines aged in French oak to achieve optimal balance and structure. The 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon was even placed in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History collection in 1996. Today, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars continues to produce wines that embody elegance, structure, and ageability. For more information, visit the Stag's Leap Wine Cellars website.