Classic American Cabs to Buy Right Now

In anticipation of our upcoming Classic American Wines class, I’m highlighting five must-buy standout American Cabernet Sauvignons. These selections are exceptional in quality and come with incredible value—currently available at Pennsylvania wine shops for an average of 40% off retail prices. I’ve listed them from the most to the least expensive. Enjoy!

Inglenook 2018 “Rubicon” Rutherford

Rubicon is not just a wine; it’s the stuff of legend in a bottle. This 2018 wine from Rutherford doesn’t just boast depth-it revels in it. Aromas of black currant, tobacco leaf, and dusty earth really place you in Napa vineyards. In the mouth, it’s a masterclass in marrying power and elegance.

Stemmy, dark fruit yields chocolate, cedar, and the minerality that is a hallmark of the classic “Rutherford dust.” The tannins are structured and graceful, leading to a long finish. $99 in PA when reviewed.

J. Bookwalter 2021 “Protagonist” Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley

This is not a tale the protagonist tells; it will beat you down with an oak hammer. The 2021 vintage from Columbia Valley is an example of Bookwalter’s skill in balancing intensity and muscularity. The nose, ripe blackberries, and cassis with a hint of smoky vanilla smell like a donut shop arsonist. Take a sip, and the fruit is bold-juicy black cherries and plums-but it’s the mid-palate where this wine sings. Subtle notes of graphite and leather give it undeniable complexity, while plush tannins are firm but supple. The finish is long, echoing with hints of mocha and a whisper of spice. $38 in PA when reviewed.

Provenance Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Provenance Vineyards knows how to make a Napa Cabernet that speaks to place, and the 2019 vintage is no exception—pared down with precision. Aromas of blackcurrants, sweet tobacco, and even a touch of graphite are as varietally correct as Napa gets.

The palate is plush, with a core of dark fruit woven into mocha and cedar and a savoury note keeping it in check. The phenolics are soft and fig-like: it will probably peak in 2026, but is drinking very well now. $32 in PA when reviewed.

Tamarack Cellars 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley

Tamarack Cellars is very consistent if you’re looking for Cabernets that bring power and charm. This Columbia Valley stunner is all about bold, expressive fruit: black cherries and plums, followed by cedar and Provencal herbs.

The charm of Columbia Valley Cab is in the insane amount of sunshine it receives over the growing season. No region can offer the glossy, complex mouthfeel that gives structure to a wine that is both rich and approachable. There is a light spiciness, with cocoa and toasted oak adding complexity. This is Classic Cabernet, executed. When reviewed, it was $22 in PA.

Gramercy Cellars 2018 “Lower East” Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley

This is a balanced and restrained Cabernet from a cult winemaker. The 2018 Lower East from Gramercy Cellars is not flashy but exudes quiet confidence. The nose is delicate and pretty: blackberries and currants are interwoven with tobacco notes and crushed stone, and a palate with a level of acidity more associated with Bordeaux than an American winery. The tannins are refined and textured, giving the wine structure without overpowering its natural elegance. A long finish veers from red fruit to delicate spice. This is Cabernet for the subtlety set rather than Cab for ostentation. $20 in PA when reviewed.