California Cabernet (Limited): Iconic Winemakers, 92–99-Point Bottles, Unbeatable Value

The 2022 Sculpterra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied Paso Robles Cabernet built around concentrated black cherry, black currant, blackberry and cocoa. Layered oak brings smoke, toast and cedar, while fine-grained tannins give the dark fruit a firm, dry finish and room to develop through the decade.

Napa Cabernet presents ripe blackberry, cassis and black cherry with cocoa, cedar and baking spice. A full-bodied palate, polished tannins and balanced acidity lead to a smooth.

Awarded 96 points by James Suckling. The 2023 Synthesis Cabernet Sauvignon draws on Napa sites in Diamond Mountain, Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Mt. Veeder and Oak Knoll. Blackberry, cassis, blueberry, cocoa, espresso and sweet tobacco sit over fine tannins and fresh acidity, with graphite, cedar and vanilla extending the polished finish.

94pt - The Wine Palate. The Wine Palate. The 2023 Amici Napa Cabernet opens with cocoa powder, sandalwood, baking spice and cassis. Cherry cordial.

Dutcher Crossing's 2022 Cooney Reserve Cabernet layers blackberry, plum and brandied cherry with cocoa, cedar and baking spice, framed by velvety tannins and bright acidity.

Awarded 92 points by The Wine Independent. The 2019 Miner Emily's Cabernet Sauvignon blends Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc in a rich yet energetic Napa Valley style. Black cherry compote, cassis and raspberry meet tar, black olive and wild thyme, while soft tannins, fresh acidity and an herbal lift keep the full-bodied palate composed.

Awarded 94 points by James Suckling, this Napa Cabernet layers blackberry, cassis and vanilla with black plum, nutmeg and espresso. Fine tannins and elegant acidity frame a long, savory finish, retaining energy and balance.

92pt - Wine Enthusiast. Boysenberry, cassis and violets lead to blackberry, dark chocolate, cinnamon and licorice, lifted by lively acidity and rich tannins.

Ghostwriter’s Black Ridge Cabernet captures the Santa Cruz Mountains with cherry, cedar, graphite and herbal lift, pairing ripe fruit with firm tannins and mountain freshness.

The 2017 Rutherford Ranch Franklin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dark berry, plum, sweet oak and tobacco. Bing cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate fill a round, juicy palate framed by soft tannins. Fruit from the family's eight-acre Rutherford estate and 18 months in French oak give the wine earthy depth and a polished finish.

94+pt - Wine Advocate. Adelaida Viking Vineyard Cabernet shows cassis, black cherry and tobacco with roasted bell pepper, allspice and peppercorn.

Quivira’s Berler Cabernet layers blackberry and cassis with graphite, cedar and tobacco. Rich yet balanced, it carries fresh acidity, velvety tannins and ageworthy depth.

Deerfield’s Bensi Vineyard Cabernet shows Moon Mountain depth, layering blackberry and cassis with cocoa, cedar and savory spice over polished mountain tannins.

95pt - Wine Enthusiast. Shafer's 2022 TD-9 Cabernet layers cassis, ripe blackberry and pine with graphite, warming spice and a generous, structured palate.

94pt - VertdeVin. Chateau Montelena's 2021 Napa Cabernet layers cassis, blackberry, plum, dried tobacco and herbs with polished fruit, firm structure and fresh acidity.

Roth’s 2022 Reserve Cabernet is a powerhouse Alexander Valley red with roasted coffee, nutmeg and pepper on the nose. Dark berry preserves, anise and dried fig fill the palate, supported by ample tannin and balanced acidity.

Sojourn's 2020 Oakville Cabernet combines black currant, pomegranate, tart plum and black tea with smooth texture, balanced acidity and reserve-level concentration.

Rated 96 points by Decanter, the 2021 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a layered, fragrant Cabernet aged 24 months in American oak, with precision, red-fruited depth and a seamless finish.

93pt - James Suckling. Mt. Veeder Cabernet offers black currant, dark berries, graphite and oyster shell. Firm fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity drive a mineral finish.

Silverado's 2022 Abel Cabernet reflects Stags Leap's steep shale soils with dark fruit, firm structure and polished tannins shaped by western exposure.

LVE's 2018 Napa Cabernet opens with oolong tea, caramelized fig and dark chocolate, followed by cassis, cocoa nibs and elegant, refined tannins.

La Sirena Happy Canyon AVA Cabernet Sauvignon offers cassis, blackberry and dark cherry with cedar, graphite and savory herbs, framed by firm tannins and fresh acidity.

The Addendum Napa Cabernet brings a flavor profile of blackberry, spiced plum, dark chocolate, cedar, and tobacco with a creamy palate framed by smooth, melted tannins.

Duckhorn's 2013 Rutherford Cabernet offers blueberry and damson plum with walnut and sage, shaped by rustic savory detail, polished structure and Napa richness.

Smith Story Pickberry Vineyard Cabernet shows black currant, plum, cedar, dried herbs and mineral detail, with firm tannins and fresh acidity shaping a structured finish.

Sarah Francis' 2023 Beckstoffer Georges III Cabernet offers ripe cassis, blackberry and violet with Rutherford dust, fine tannins and a polished finish.

Sugarloaf Cabernet layers boysenberry jam, raspberry pastry and juniper with black currant and black cherry. Mineral tannins.

This Atlas Peak Cabernet offers blackberry, black currant and dark cherry with graphite, cedar and mountain herbs. Concentrated fruit, firm tannins and mineral freshness carry a persistent finish, preserving clarity and lift.

96pt - Decanter. Heitz’s 2017 Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet layers cassis and black cherry with eucalyptus, vanilla, firm structure and a silky finish.

99pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Paul Hobbs To Kalon Cabernet is opulent yet precise, layering cassis, blackberry, graphite, cigar box and cacao over fine tannins and vibrant acidity.