By Cellar Beast’s winemaker, Aaron Gratch. With over a decade of winemaking expertise and a dedication to crafting wines that complement a wide range of dishes, Aaron provides pairing suggestions designed to enrich any occasion.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a beast of red wine, full of flavor, outstanding balance, and tremendous aging potential. From Bordeaux in France, Cabernet Sauvignon has made its way to the world’s significant wine-growing areas, from Napa Valley to sunny vineyards in Australia. We are lucky at Cellar Beast to have exceptional Cabernet fruit from three of Washington State’s premier vineyards, Yakima Valley’s Meek Vineyard, one of the newest Washington State AVAs - Candy Mountain, and Red Mountain’s renowned Quintessence Vineyard. Learn everything you want about this timeless grape and cult wine and why Cellar Beast’s Cabernet Sauvignon should be on every wine lover’s radar.
Origins of Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Bordeaux, France, where it’s often blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot to make the Left Bank Bordeaux wines that we know and love today. It is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and the white grape Sauvignon Blanc, as detailed by Wine Enthusiast, giving this wine its characteristic tannic balance and vibrant acidity. Over the years, winemakers have come up with ways to highlight this variety’s full potential, and now, it is among the most revered and diverse varietals in the world.
Key Growing Regions for Cabernet Sauvignon
Although Bordeaux is the birthplace of Cabernet Sauvignon, it grows in many different regions, each with its distinct characteristics. Here’s a rundown of some areas, including Washington state, where Cellar Beast gets its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. According to OIV data, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely planted varietals in the world.
Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux produces well-structured, drinkable wines. Its Cabernet Sauvignon is infused with Merlot and other varieties. The Cabernets of this cooler-climate region display notes of blackcurrant, graphite, and cedar that flow smoothly over time, according to Bordeaux.com
Yakima Valley, Washington
Cellar Beast’s Cabernet Sauvignon comes primarily from the Meek Vineyard in Washington’s Yakima Valley. Yakima Valley’s cooler weather and soil diversity characterize Cabernet Sauvignon’s balanced structure, according to the Washington State Wine Commission. Our Yakima Valley Cab is laden with blackcurrant, plum, and spice, followed by moderate acidity and firm tannins. This vineyard’s unique microclimates produce a complex, elegant wine balanced with a hearty meal. Cellar Beast predominately sources from Meek Vineyard, run by Inland Desert and the Pontin del Roza Vineyard run by the Miller Family.
Red Mountain, Washington
Red Mountain AVA is Washington’s leading wine region in cultivating bold Cabernet Sauvignon, and Quintessence Vineyard is one of the true gems of the state. Red Mountain's sun-soaked ridges and iron-rich soils yield Cabernet with rich, concentrated, and intense blackberry and black cherry aromas and notes of earthy herbs. Cellar Beast utilizes Quintessence Cabernet Sauvignon in both our single varietals and our Midnight Archer blend, adding bold structure and complexity to our Left Bank Bordeaux blend.
Candy Mountain, Washington
Candy Mountain, one of Washington’s newest and smallest AVAs, soon became renowned for its fine Cabernet Sauvignon. Candy Mountain, a neighbor to Red Mountain, is a similar warm, dry, sunny site, perfect for full ripening. Gravel-based and well-drained soils create concentrated, layered Cabernet Sauvignons with deep black fruit, firm tannins, and mineral undertones. Although small, Candy Mountain AVA’s Cabernets are ripe and delicate, making it an exciting new area for good quality Cabernet.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is one of America’s most renowned Cabernet Sauvignon regions. The climate is warmer than average, allowing the grapes to ripen fully. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons typically have blackberry and plum fruit with vanilla and oak spice.
Chile
Because of Chile's Mediterranean climate, Cabernet Sauvignons from the Maipo Valley produce wines with intense red fruit, herbs, and an elegant, accessible structure.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
South Africa, in particular Stellenbosch, has become a premier producer of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. The world-famous wine-growing region of Stellenbosch, located just east of Cape Town, has diverse microclimates and soils that give rise to complex, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons.
Stellenbosch Cabernets are known for their unique flavors, which include flavors of black currant, black plum, and cassis, as well as eucalyptus or mint. Many Stellenbosch growers age their wines in oak, which brings tobacco, black pepper spice, and cedar undertones to their cab wines. The warm days and mild sea breezes help the ripening process, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to release rich fruit flavors balanced by acidity and soft tannins.
South African Cabernet Sauvignons represent the grape in a unique way that combines New World fruitiness with Old World refinement and poise. For anyone wanting a new take on Cabernet, Stellenbosch’s wines are an exciting and memorable palate experience.
Critical Characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon
What makes Cabernet Sauvignon so appealing to both winemakers and consumers? Here are some hallmark traits:
- Bold Structure and Tannins: Cabernet Sauvignon's firm tannins will keep it intact for years, making it an ideal cellar wine, as described in Decanter’s guide.
- Complex Fruit Profile: Dark fruit characters like blackcurrant, blackberry, and cherry tend to be typical characteristics of Cab Sauv, though they vary a bit depending on the region.
- Aging Potential: As the sturdy Cabernet Sauvignon aged, its leather, cedar, and tobacco flavors became more complex. Tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon have a greater ability to improve with age as their tannin content breaks down over time.
- Adaptable Style: The grape is equally effective as a single-varietal wine and as a blend, enabling the winemaker to exploit various variety features.
Cellar Beast’s Cabernet Sauvignon: From Vineyard to Glass
Meek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – Yakima Valley, WA
Our Meek Vineyard Yakima Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an ideal example of Washington State’s ability to produce premium Cabernet. This wine offers rich dark fruit flavors like blackcurrant and plum flavors with a touch of spice and acidity. Meek Vineyard’s excellent conditions and different soil types make this Cab beautiful and refined – a perfect companion to hearty meals.
With its dark fruit, well-tuned acidity, and subtle spices, our Yakima Valley Cabernet Sauvignon pairs nicely with foods emphasizing savory umami flavors and hearty textures.
- Prime Rib or Ribeye Steak: This Cabernet Sauvignon's dry tannins and dark fruit aromas accent the savory depth of succulently well-marbled meat. You can serve it with a rosemary garlic dressing to offset the wine’s mineral notes., according to Food & Wine.
- Wild Mushroom Risotto: The acidity and a bit of spice complement the earthy flavors of the mushrooms beautifully. To make the wine more decadent, add some parmesan or truffle oil.
- Aged Cheddar or Gouda: Aging cheeses impart a pungent, sharp taste that pairs well with the fruitiness and firm tannins of the wine.
Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – Red Mountain, WA
Red Mountain’s Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, ripe fruit style of Cabernet Sauvignon. This deep, complex wine is grown on Red Mountain’s iron-clad slopes, and its aromas are of blackberry, black cherry, and bitter herbs. Quintessence Cabernet is incorporated in our Midnight Archer blend, whose robust structure brings richness and substance to this French oak barrel-aged Left Bank Bordeaux-style red. Midnight Archer blends Quintessence Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Verdot to bring the style of Bordeaux to the bold fruit-forward character of Washington state.
Our Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain, with its fruit notes of rich blackberry, cherry, and herbal character, graces Midnight Archer’s Merlot and Petit Verdot combination. The heft of this wine suits food pairings with bold, spicy foods that match its heavy-bodied structure and multi-layered intensity.
- Lamb Chops with Herbs de Provence: The herbs and juicy meatiness of lamb balance the richness of Quintessence Cabernet. It highlights the dark fruit and nutmeg of the wine.
- Beef Stew with Root Vegetables: Slow-cooked beef and root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes mimic the richness and depth of the wine, while the stew’s rich flavors enhance its tannic balance.
- Bittersweet Dark Chocolate: To create a unique dessert accompaniment, choose a dark chocolate high in cocoa (about 70%) as a food pairing with an intense wine like Midnight Archer. Fruit and spice in the wine tame the chocolate’s bitterness, making a great end to any meal.
- ➔ Order Cellar Beast Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
- ➔ Order Cellar Beast Midnight Archer
Experience the King of Reds with Cellar Beast
If you’re a fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cellar Beast’s favorite wines from Washington’s Meek and Quintessence Vineyards are a perfect way to taste the fruit’s depth and beauty. These wines, from the lush, balanced Yakima Valley Cab to the bold, structured Red Mountain Quintessence Cab in Midnight Archer (also complementing the green bell pepper notes of the small blend of Carmenere), embody the flexibility and complexity that Cabernet Sauvignon offers. Check out our wines online and experience Washington’s finest Cabernets at your table. Learn more about food pairings in our Food Pairing Blog Series.
Enjoy unforgettable wines and experiences!
Drawing on insights from trusted wine and culinary authorities, including the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and Wine Folly, this guide ensures accuracy in each pairing recommendation. While Cellar Beast wines are highlighted, the guidance is crafted for all wine enthusiasts seeking to elevate their meals.
Explore Cellar Beast’s Wines: Browse our curated wine selection here. For personalized pairing advice or any questions about our wines, please reach out to us.
References:
- Origin of Cabernet Sauvignon
- Source: Wine Enthusiast - “The History of Cabernet Sauvignon” and "The Story Behind Cabernet Sauvignon"
- Source: Wine Enthusiast - “The History of Cabernet Sauvignon” and "The Story Behind Cabernet Sauvignon"
- Global Popularity and Acreage
- Source: OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) Statistics
- Source: OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) Statistics
- Yakima Valley Terroir
- Source: Washington Wine
- Flavor Profiles and Tannin Structure
- Source: Decanter
- Aging Potential of Cabernet Sauvignon
- Source: Wine Folly
- Source: Wine Folly
