Believe it or not, one of the question I get more often than not is simply, What does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like? Now the question is sometimes meant to imply, like, what is it that I’m tasting here when drinking Cabernet Sauvignon and other times it’s meant to mean, what is so special about Cabernet Sauvignon that everyone is drinking it. Cabernet Sauvignon is, after all, the most popular grape variety in the world with nearly 1 million acres planted.
Before we dive into the characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon, we need to first understand wine descriptors in general. When we say Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like black currants, blackberries, and plums, we do not mean there are actual blackberries added to the wine. If a wine label says Cabernet Sauvignon, it has at least 75% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in it. (There might be some other red wine grapes added in to balance it out, but it’s only grapes, no other fruit.)
So these wine descriptors are our perceptions of the wine. It’s mostly subjective. However, and this is a big however, there are esters and aroma compounds found in wines that do exist in the fruits that smell and taste like them.
With Cabernet Sauvignon the most obvious aroma and flavor for me to detect is the green pepper. (I hate green peppers so this is why that smell always jumps out at me). This is the aroma compounds called pyrazines. Pyrazines exist in both green pepper and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Cab Franc, Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot, which is why all those wines smell a bit like green peppers. Make sense?
Another taste element to consider is that most Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in oak barrels which give Cab Sauv a whole other dimension of aromas and flavors. Oak barrels give wine vanilla, coconut, dill, chocolate, espresso, and baking spice smells. Here’s a great video explaining all that.
Okay, now let’s dive into the question at hand, What does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like? The following list includes the 10 most popular wine descriptions for Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ll also be breaking this down into 4 regions because each in each wine region Cabernet Sauvignon expresses itself a bit differently.
Wine Descriptors for Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold flavored wine. It is full-bodied with medium acidity, and strong tannins. It has a creamy mouthfeel and the flavors coat your mouth and leave a lingering impression. The most notable flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon are the dark berry fruits.
The fruit/flower descriptors below are from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The spice flavors come from oak.
- Black Currants
- Black Cherries
- Plum
- Green Peppers
- Raspberry
- Violets
- Vanilla
- Coconut
- Chocolate
- Tobacco
Sounds delicious, right? It is! Now depending on the climate, soil, and winemaker, Cabernet Sauvignon tastes slightly different. If you want to easily train yourself to be a better wine taster, I suggest you take my online wine tasting course. Above are the core wine descriptors for Cab Sauv, below are specific smells you’ll find from the 4 most popular wine regions that produce excellent wines.
Looking for Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairings?
What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like from Napa, California?
Now, even though Cabernet Sauvignon originates from Bordeaux, France, it was when it was planted in California that its popularity as a varietal wine exploded. Some of this stemmed from the Judgement of Paris, where a bottle of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, the 1973 Stag’s Leap Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, was judged higher than the most famous wines of Bordeaux much to the shock to the entire wine world.
Since then, Napa Cabs have become the most sought after, and most expensive, varietal Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Wine Descriptors for Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, full-bodied, heavy on the oak, high in tannins, and really rich and complex on the palate. This is a wine that is known to punch you in the mouth a bit.
- Blackberry
- Black Cherry
- Leather
- Smoke
- Vanilla
- Black Plum
- Dark Chocolate
What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like from Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon originates from Bordeaux, France. It is the result of a spontaneous cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, hence Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet is a relatively ‘new’ grape, only being discovered in the 17th century. Okay that was 400 years ago but like Tempranillo is thousands of years old.
Bordeaux bottles will not label the varieties on the label, you have to know what the grapes are based on the history of the winery, the location in Bordeaux, and/or specifically named wines. Yeah, I know, the French never make things easy for us.
In Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon is almost always blended with the other Bordeaux grapes, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the blends on the left bank of Bordeaux whereas the right bank Bordeaux reds are dominantly Merlot.
Wine Descriptors for Bordeaux Blends Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon
Bordeaux wines with Cabernet Sauvignon dominating the blend are also full-bodied, less heavy on the oak, still quite high in tannins, and but a bit more elegant on the palate. These wines can age for decades. You’ll find more red fruits in these blends vs dark fruit.
- Cherry
- Raspberry
- Green Pepper
- Red and Black Currants
- Licorice
- Vanilla
- Plum
- Dark Chocolate
What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like from Chile?
Chile might seems like an odd choice to include on this list but Chile is producing some of the best budget-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are overdelivering for their price. Let’s be honest, very few of us can afford Napa Cabs which average over $200. Yes, there are value Cabs found throughout California, but I honestly think a $10 Cab from Chile knocks a $20 Cali Cab out of the park. Fight me.
The climate and topographical elements of Chile make an ideal place to grow Cabernet Sauvignon especially in Colchagua Valley and Maipo Valley. Over the last 30 years, the wines have improved dramatically, and with wine pricing globally increasing, Chilean Cabernet is one of the best values out there.
Wine Descriptors for Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
So what does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like from Chile? It’s a much softer, brighter, fruitier expression of the grape. It’s easy-drinking and doesn’t need to age for a decade before the tannins calm down.
- Juicy Cherries
- Black Plum
- Black Currants
- Blueberries
- Caramel
- Cocoa
- Pencil shavings (don’t ask)
What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like from Australia?
Last, but not least, is Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia. Although Shiraz and Chardonnay dominate their plantings, Cabernet Sauvignon is a respectable third place. Australia produces a wide range of Cabs, from cheap and easy pizza Cabs to age-worthy prized bottles. The value is in the mid-tier Australian Cabs where 15-20 bucks goes a long way.
Coonwarra, Margaret River, and Yarra Valley are the Australian wine regions that produce the best Cabernet Sauvignon. Each region has a unique expression of the grape variety. Coonwarra will be your bolder Cabs, Maragaret River produces more savory floral Cabs, and Yarra Valley produces more elegant and softer Cabs.
Wine Descriptions for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon
- Blackberry
- Cherry
- Mint
- Licorice
- Violets
- Cedar
- Roasted Nuts
- Eucalyptus
What’s your favorite wine descriptor for Cabernet Sauvignon?
In doing a bit of research for this article, I came across some really off the wall wine descriptors. I don’t want to call anyone out but I swear some of these people like to write the craziest stuff. Tell me what Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like to you.
I hope this post was useful. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.