We’re never going to knock those pricey, prestige Napa Cabs that warrant cellaring for a special occasion (or even an especially indulgent night on the couch). Yet, one need not spend a small fortune to score an impressive bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Such became evident when we asked Wine Enthusiast’s reviewers to round up the best budget-friendly bottles of the ever-popular varietal.
“Just because a bottle of wine is less than $20 does not mean it can’t be great,” says Wine Enthusiast Tasting Manager Cody Wexler. “Usually these wines are very approachable and probably fun to drink without a ton of complexity. “
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The 11 bottles the team rounded up below represent a wide breadth of winemaking styles and terroir that showcase the varietal’s signature concentrated flavors and firm tannins. All of these picks “are drinking at a really high level for their price point,” adds Wexler, who chooses examples “from a wide variety of domestic and international regions to give people an idea of where to look for great Best Buy Cabs.”
Ready to scout some deals? From Margaret River, Australia and Mendoza, Argentina to Italy and Israel, follow this list to find the best Cabernet Sauvignon under $20 right now.
Dalton 2021 Estate Oak Aged Cabernet Sauvignon (Galilee)
This deep violet-colored wine offers a bouquet of blackberry, caramel and dried thyme. Luscious blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice and violet flavors are encased in a sheath of opulent tannins that recedes into an enduring finish. Best Buy. 94 Points — Mike DeSimone
Method 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
This densely flavorful yet relaxed wine rests on a cushion of plush, fine tannins that carry its earthy, black fruit, baking spice and dark chocolate flavors across the palate and into a soft finish. Best from 2026. Best Buy. 92 Points — Stacy Briscoe
Chronic Cellars 2021 Sir Real Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)
Lush and lovely aromas of black currant, violet and fruit-topped ice-cream sundae pull the nose into this hedonistic bottling. Those fresh, juicy flavors of blueberry sorbet and boysenberry syrup are dusted in cocoa on the finish, where the tannins hold firm. Best Buy. 92 Points — Matt Kettmann
Barton & Guestier 2021 Bistro Cabernet Sauvignon (Vin de France)
Refreshing acidity and delicious, lively aromas of rose petals open this elegant wine. Vanilla, raspberries, strawberries and garrigue flavors carry the palate, while medium tannins balance it all out. Best Buy. 92 Points
Scaia 2019 Torre Mellotti Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon (Veneto)
Ripe red plums, wild blackberries, sweet herbs and savory spice open the aroma of this polished wine. The well-structured palate is fresher than that of most Cabernets, with vibrant acidity, lifted flavors, floral notes and fine tannins on the finish. Best Buy. 92 Points— Jeff Porter
Viña Elena 2020 Los Cucos de la Alberquilla Cabernet Sauvignon (Jumilla)
Deep violet-red in the glass, this Cabernet Sauvignon has a bouquet of black currant, dark chocolate and clove. It is smooth in the mouth, with polished tannins and blackberry, black cherry, cocoa powder and licorice flavors, with a touch of dried thyme in the satisfying finish. Best Buy. 92 Points — M.D.
Tyrrell’s 2020 Rufus Stone Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)
From a historic producer based in the Hunter Valley, on the other side of Australia, this expresses its origins in the west with a touch of east coast personality. Heady herb-and-spice aromas of green peppercorn, bay leaf, tobacco and eucalypt are bookended by seaweed and graphite notes. Somewhere in between lurks plump plum and currant fruit. There’s a silky succulence and cranberry tang to the mid-weight palate. The fruit flows to the finish where granular tannins creep up slowly. Best Buy. 92 Points — Christina Pickard
Luigi Bosca 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
Hints of nutmeg and rosemary make the strawberry and cherry nose more interesting and aromatic. It’s full and savory, with chocolate notes adding an extra layer of flavor. Berries and green bell pepper mingle on the smooth palate and set the stage for a lasting eucalyptus finish. Best Buy. 91 Points— Jesica Vargas
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
This superb value strikes first with a marine-themed nose of a salty ocean breeze, a driftwood beach fire, blackberries, olive oil and a trace of bacon fat. Smooth and viscous, with dark plum and bittersweet chocolate-covered cherries coating the palate. Best Buy. 91 Points— Michael Alberty
Peirano 2022 Heritage Collection Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi)
D’Arenberg 2021 The Stump Jump Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale)
Lucid aromas of mint, thyme, green peppercorn and pencil shavings are layered onto a core of plump cherry and raspberry fruit. Granular, hulking tannins cinch the tongue, but they leave ample space for the juicy red-berry fruit on this unmistakably Aussie Cab. Best Buy. 91 Points — C.P.
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