10 Best Cheap Cabernet Sauvignon Wines: Full Guide (2023)
Last Updated on November 24, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Searching for the best cheap Cabernet Sauvignon can be like treasure hunting. There’s a sense of excitement in finding those hidden wines that offer quality without breaking the bank.
As a big fan of wine, I’ve encountered numerous budget-friendly Cabernet Sauvignons, and I’m thrilled to share my best picks with you.
So, if you want fantastic yet wallet-friendly options that deliver the best value and flavor, this is for you!
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Cabernet Sauvignon Bottles
1. 2017 Los Vascos Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: Around $22/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Nose: Dark berries
Palate: Cassis, blackcurrant
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why I Like It: This 2017 Los Vascos Grande Reserve delivers a rich, fruity punch.
“Cabernet’s allure lies in its deep, dark fruitiness and velvety texture.” – Liquor Laboratory
Its luscious dark fruit flavors and aromas make it an easy-drinking Cab Sav – one of the best-value wines I’ve tried!
2. 2018 Carmel “Appellation” Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: Approximately $23/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Nose: Red cherries, herbs
Palate: Blackberry, earthy notes
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why I Like It: This 2018 Cab Sav showcases a delightful interplay of earthiness and fruitiness. It’s a well-balanced wine providing a taste of the Mediterranean at a modest price point.
This wine can compete with the premium Cab Savs from the Sonoma Valley, California.
3. 2018 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: About $18/750ml (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Blackberry, vanilla
Palate: Plum, oak
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: Louis M Martini from Napa Valley, California, is an elegant, smooth wine. It’s one of the best value wines for its classic representation of California Cabernet Sauvignons, embodying the best winery techniques.
4. 2019 Vasse Felix “Filius” Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: Around $21/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Redcurrant, mint
Palate: Cassis, tobacco leaf
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: Vasse Felix’s exudes a delightful combination of red fruitiness and minty freshness. It’s one of the versatile wines I’ll recommend to every wine enthusiast, which pairs well with various dishes.
5. 2019 Zuccardi “Q” Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: About $21/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 13.9% ABV
Nose: Herbs and red fruitiness
Palate: Cherry plums, green pepper
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: Zuccardi’s Cab Sav impresses my palate with its bright fruitiness – a testament to Argentina’s winemaking prowess. This is a medium-bodied wine drink with soft tannins.
6. 2019 Be Human Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: Around $17/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Blackberry, violet
Palate: Prunes, chocolate
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: This Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington is one of the best-value wines. It’s affordable with flavor quality, dark fruits, and chocolate undertones.
It’s a more budget-friendly alternative to the 2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle also comes from the same vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington.
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7. 2019 David Finlayson Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: Approximately $16/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 15.4% ABV
Nose: Blackcurrant, cedar
Palate: Raspberry, tobacco
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: David Finlayson’s Cabernet Sauvignon showcases a mix of berry and tobacco notes with grainy tannins. It’s not the best value wine, but it’s an enjoyable sip that won’t hurt your wallet.
8. 2020 Grounded by Josh Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: About $16/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 13.9% ABV
Nose: Prunes, blackberries
Palate: Dark cherry, spices
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: This full-bodied wine from California delivers a lively blend of fruitiness with spice. It’s a solid choice if you’re seeking the best-value Cabernet wine with good character and soft tannins.
“It has a full body, rich mouthfeel and lingering finish.” – Jim Gordon, Musician
Quick Fact: Grounded by Josh Phelps is made from 95% Cab Sav, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Petite Sirah grapes, with some varieties from the North and South Coast of California.
9. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet
Average Price: Around $18/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 13.9% ABV
Nose: Blackberries, vanilla, mocha
Palate: Blackcurrant, oak, chocolate
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: J. Lohr’s Seven Oaks from Paso Robles is one of the best-value Cabernet Sauvignons, oozing with black fruit, oak notes, and amplified tannins. It’s a value-driven option that consistently delivers.
Tip: Other budget-friendly options you can try are Kunde Cab Sav (Sonoma Valley, California) and Substance Can Sav (Washington).
10. 2019 Wente Vineyards “Southern Hills” Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: Approximately $16/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Black cherry, prunes
Palate: Blackberries, vanilla
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: Wente Vineyards’ Cab Sav is a smooth and approachable wine drink with a burst of black fruit flavors, making it one of the best value wines for any wine enthusiast.
Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product’s quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment were evaluated.
FAQs
What is a good, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon?
A good full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon [1] is Grounded by Josh Phelps or the 2019 Be Human.
Alternatively, opt for vinos boasting decadent flavors of dark fruits, oak, and sometimes hints of tobacco or spices. Also, look for options with higher alcohol content for that satisfying fullness.
Should Cabernet Sauvignon be chilled?
Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon can be chilled, but it is best enjoyed at a slightly cooler room temperature, around 60-68°F (15-20°C). Chilling it too much can dull its flavors, so avoid serving it too cold.
In Conclusion
With all the wine variations I’ve tried, the 2017 Los Vascos Grande Reserve emerges as the best value wine, which I bet can compete with premium vinos from the Sonoma Valley.
Its affordability and delightful flavor profile embody the essence of budget-friendly excellence, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a fantastic Cabernet.
But all the wines listed above can provide a range of flavors and experiences, so grab a bottle, savor the moment, and toast to the world of affordable wine [2] discoveries. Cheers!
References:
- https://www.pennlive.com/food/2023/10/long-time-pa-grower-of-cabernet-sauvignon-offers-his-take-on-its-potential-here.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/oct/20/vindependents-new-way-to-buy-wine-from-uk-independents-fiona-beckett
