I'm a sommelier. I found 7 of the best cabernet sauvignons at the grocery store, and they're all $35 and under.

Fri, 12/20/2024 - 07:55

seven bottles of cabernet sauvignon on a counter — I found the best cabernet sauvignon at the grocery store.
Brianne Cohen

Grocery-store wines vary in quality, and as a sommelier, I'm here to help.
Cabernet sauvignon is one of the most popular red wines and is easy to find at most stores.
I found seven different bottles, all $35 and under, that I think are best.

Selecting a bottle of wine can be daunting. The labels often have confusing jargon, and it's hard to know if you're getting a good deal.

As a sommelier, I'm here to help. The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune. There are probably several solid bottles of good-quality wine right at your local grocery store.

Let's start with cabernet sauvignon, one of the world's most widely planted wine grapes that's especially prominent in places like Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and Chile.

Here are seven cabernets I like to pick up at the grocery store, all $35 and under, listed from cheapest to most expensive.

Ironstone Vineyards cabernet sauvignon is easy to drink — and easy to love.

glass of Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon next to the bottle — Ironstone Vineyards cabernet is a staple at elevated weeknight dinners in my house.
Brianne Cohen

If you're looking for a wine that's super easy to drink and that's enjoyable both on its own or with a weeknight meal, the cabernet sauvignon from Ironstone Vineyards is the one.

At $14, it's also the most affordable option I reach for.

The pleasant, light-red blend offers notes of juicy, ripe fruits on the nose and palate. It has just a touch of residual sugar for those who prefer sweeter fruity notes.

For an organic option, pick up Domaine Bousquet Reserve's cabernet sauvignon.

glass of Domaine Bousquet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon next to the bottle — The Domaine Bousquet cabernet is my old reliable.
Brianne Cohen

Domaine Bousquet is a family-owned estate in the Mendoza region of Argentina. Its reserve wines are made with hand-picked, certified organic fruit.

I love the brand's cabernet sauvignon because it tastes exactly like a cab should (full-bodied and dark) for only $18 a bottle.

The wine has a nice tannin structure, so it's on the drier side. Additionally, the notes on both the nose and palate are dark and complex.

In the winter, I reach for Juggernaut Hillside cabernet.

glass of Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon next to a bottle — I love a glass of Juggernaut cabernet with a warming winter meal.
Brianne Cohen

Juggernaut's cabernet — made from grapes on hillside vineyards — majorly over-delivers for its $20 price point.

Upon first taste, the wine is dark-fruited and herbaceous in nature. Then, a smooth and velvety side comes through with some chocolate notes, giving it a rich and warming impression.

It's the perfect winter cabernet to enjoy with a pot roast in front of a crackling fireplace.

Bonterra Estate Collection's cabernet sauvignon is everywhere.

glass of Bonterra Estate Collection Cabernet Sauvignon next to the bottle — I can find Bonterra Estate Collection's cabernet at Trader Joe's.
Brianne Cohen

Bonterra, a leader in sustainable winemaking, offers an easier-drinking cabernet sauvignon with little tannin impression, making it less dry and bitter on the palate.

I think it delivers precisely what a cabernet should for $22: A quaffable glass of red everyone can enjoy.

Bonterra is also one of the easiest-to-find brands on the list. It has wide distribution in major retailers such as Whole Foods, Albertsons, and Trader Joe's.

If you're hosting dinner, check out Ancient Peaks' cabernet sauvignon.

glass of Ancient Peaks Estate Cabernet Sauvignon next to the bottle — Ancient Peaks makes a bold, spicy cabernet.
Brianne Cohen

From the sprawling Santa Margarita Ranch on the south side of Paso Robles, California, comes a spicy little number from Ancient Peaks Winery.

The brand's $25 cabernet has a more dramatic nose and palate, with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.

Although some cabernets can be sipped on their own, this bottle is best enjoyed with food. I think it would shine with a hickory-grilled burger, grilled portabellas, or a spiced pork tenderloin.

Alta Nova's cabernet sauvignon is great if you have a little more room in your budget

glass of Alta Nova Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon next tot he bottle — Alta Nova makes wines in Paso Robles, California.
Brianne Cohen

Founded and owned by master sommelier Des Echavarrie, Alta Nova highlights wines made from grapes grown at high elevations in Paso Robles, which is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Its $33 cabernet is deep, dark, and brooding in nature, with a good tannin structure. However, it's still a ripe, fruity crowd-pleaser.

Rounding out the top of the list is Rodney Strong's cabernet sauvignon.

glass of Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon next to the bottle — Rodney Strong's cabernet is great with steak.
Brianne Cohen

Rodney Strong Winery is a legacy Sonoma producer that showcases beautiful grapes from the Alexander Valley.

Its cabernet is dark-fruited, with a lovely note of sweet spice from the oak influence.

Although it's the most expensive on the list at $35, it's the perfect bottle to enjoy with grilled steak or braised short ribs.

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I'm a sommelier. I found 7 of the best cabernet sauvignons at the grocery store…