Funny story… I used to only drink white zinfandel at the beginning of my wine journey. I then graduated to riesling, and then jumped right into reds. The point is, it took me some time to like red wine like it does for a lot of wine drinkers who take a similar journey. Now, I don’t know how I lived without it.
My favorite red is a California cabernet, and if you are like me, you can go through a few bottles a weekend! We don’t always want to buy that delicious $50+ bottle unless it’s a special occasion or unless you’re lucky enough to be among the rich and famous. And even when I do buy them, I let them sit and revel in the fact that I have a good bottle for the right day. Yes, I am a weirdo, but this is why I have my go to list of California cabs that are not only affordable, but absolutely delicious.
5. St. Francis 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon– The winery states:
“Robust but refined, this Cabernet has layered aromatics of cassis, black cherry and cocoa with a note of black licorice. Flavors of currant, mocha, vanilla, spice and more dark cherry precede a long, smooth finish. This wine shows off good structure and generous tannins.”
I love this bottle so much. Oh, and it pairs amazingly with blue cheese! Delicious! You can find this bottle in any liquor store, averaging in price at $19.99, $16.99 at Wegmans. Wegmans liquor rocks, by the way!
4. Louis Martini Sonoma County 2013 Cabarnet Sauvignon- So here is the thing (don’t kill me), but I think the $30 bottle Louis Martini and this $14.99 bottle are very very similar in taste! They are both smooth and delicious, but for the purposes of this blog, we are discussing the one priced around $14.99. Louis Martini vineyard is definitely noted as one of the country’s most prestigious vineyards, and that is why this wine gets a shout! According to the winemakers:
“The wine offers ripe flavors of blackcurrant and jammy black plum accented by notes of caramelized oak and baking spice. The round, plush mouthfeel offers firm structure framed by a fruit-focused finish.”
3. Decoy 2012 Sonoma County Cabarnet Sauvignon– I was so surprised how much I liked this wine! I have never seen it on the top lists of cabs under $20, but I adored it for sure. I happened to pair it with a filet mignon that night and it was out of this world. Tasting fruit flavors balanced by rich tannins, this wine is a winner!
Average price is $17.99 per bottle.
2. Oberon 2014 Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon– A very delicious and interesting wine. When you pair the right foods, the flavor explodes even more. This wine has a bit of a spice to it, mixed in with the blackberry and black cherry flavors; once you’re ready for your next sip, you will taste the lingering effects of the hint of coffee and cardamum.
A bottle is priced around $19.99.
1. Simi 2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon– And the winner is… SIMI! Great bottle for the price. Very smooth as well. The winemaker states,
“SIMI 2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon follows up on its deep, dark garnet color and ruby edge with lifted and pretty aromas of bright currant and cherry, blackberry, and plum. Compelling flavors of cherry and plum along with black pepper spice add life to this full-bodied-yet-silky wine that finishes with soft, velvety roasted coffee tannins and a bit of peppery cassis. Overall, the wine is youthful, mouthfilling, juicy, and bright.”
I only buy this bottle in Wegmans Liquor store because I am confident it will always be priced at $17.99. Don’t pay over $20 because I know you can find it for less. 🙂
*BONUS: If you want an even less expensive bottle than the ones listed above, go for the Beringer 2014 Founder’s Estate Cabernet priced on average at $8.99. You’re welcome 🙂
I do most of my wine shopping at Wegmans or Shop Rite liquors whenever I can and am able to plan ahead because I do believe they have the most competitive prices! I guarantee that these will be the prices you see if you shop at these locations.
Thanks for reading! See you next time!