1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Wine

Top 10 Value Cabernet Sauvignon Recommendations for Under $10

By Stacy Slinkard, About.com

The King of Reds, the world's premier red grape, the world's most dominant red grape, and on it goes. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most sought after red wine on the market, and with good reason. What other red wine, offers the complexity, the versatility, and the prestige that a good Cab is reknown for? From pennies to pounds, this red wine demands attention around the globe from winemakers, drinkers and buyers alike.

1. Carmenet Cabernet Sauvignon Cellar Selection (California) $6

A $6 Cabernet Sauvignon that can make the grade for a good, economical Cab staple. Loads of jam flavor with a peppery finish. Easy come, easy go. Steak and potatoes are calling this one off the rack.

2. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Washington) $9-12

A smooth, easy drinking Cab and easy to find, with a very modest price tag. The body is light and the flavor boasts lots of cherry and strawberry dipped in a touch of mocha on the finish. Tastes great with red-sauce pasta dishes, lasagna or give it a go with your favorite calzone combination.

3. Hogue Cellar's 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington) $10

A deep red wine with moderate tannin levels and a blend of merlot to soften the edges. The grapes were sourced from a variety of vineyards to provide a wine that is both fruit-filled and well-structured.

4. Forest Glen 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (California) $10

A value at $10 a bottle, this Cab makes a terrific table wine for any occasion. Starts with a very berry flavor and melts into a velvety finish. Really you can't go wrong with this wine, Forest Glen has a history of making consistent quality Cabs and offering them at reasonable prices.

5. McManis Family Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (California) $10

A deep garnet colored California Cab with aromas of bell pepper and flavors of fresh berry. The McManis Cab is a medium bodied wine with a smooth and easy finish. The 2001 vintage was the winner of a double gold medal at the International Wine Competition held in San Francisco. At only $10 a bottle, this may be the best bargained Cab around!

6. Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Chile) $10

A solid Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon with a very affordable price tag ($10). This is a fresh, palate-friendly wine with notable tannins (read: pucker-power), boasting colors of garnet and scents of ripe cherry. This is a full-bodied Cab offering flavors of cherry, chewy blackberry, hints of vanilla and consistent oak. Easy pairing for red meats off the grill or mixed with a hearty tomato sauce.

7. Barefoot Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (California) $6

A medal winning Cab offered for pennies. Don't be fooled, for a $6 bottle this wine offers ripe fruit flavor toned down with a bit of oakiness. A terrific value that will pair well with a pepperoni pizza or a hearty spaghetti.

8. Cartlidge & Brown 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (California) $10

This Cab tastes great with a grilled steak, a heavy poultry dish or a wide variety of Italian meals. It has heavy cherry flavor with a dark chocolate and cocoa spin, and last but not least there is a very subtle finish.

9. Concha y Toro Cabernet Xplorador '04 (Chile) $6

The Xplorador Cab is one of the best values in the current Cabernet Sauvignon market. A fairly light Cab with expected mixed berry flavors, this would make a great addition to burgers or brats.

10. Blackstone 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (California) $10

Blackstone's Cab retails for around $10 a bottle in most regions and is a good, solid value Cabernet Sauvignon. It has pleasant flavors of cherry, raspberry and plum ending on a pepper and spice high. An easy wine to enjoy with friends and family.
Explore Wine
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Reclaim the morning and your sanity with these easy recipes, tips, and timesaving ideas. More >

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Wine
  4. Wine Reviews & Recs
  5. Best Value Cabernet Sauvignon Recommendations for Under $10>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.