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It’s no secret that Napa Valley wine is among the best in the world. With quality comparable to that of Italy, France, and Spain, it’s no wonder that wine lovers flock to Napa in droves to experience the exquisite nature of Napa wine for themselves.
Of the wide variety of Napa wines, however, none is as intrinsically tied to Napa Valley as Cabernet Sauvignon, leaving many to ask what it is that makes the best Napa Cabernet Sauvignon so special.
Read on to discover why Napa Valley is the ideal spot to craft the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as where you can find the perfect bottle.
Why Is Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon World Renowned?
The home of winemaking in America, Napa Valley is covered with thousands of acres of vineyards – and over 60% of those crops are used to craft the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world.
This is because, of all the various types of wine that are made here in the valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is the one that truly thrives. Rich and full, Napa’s history and environment are perfectly suited to make the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, surpassing even Europe’s winemaking prowess.
What Makes Napa Valley the Perfect Place to Craft Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon is firmly rooted in the culture of Napa, a staple wine that visitors come from far and wide to experience for themselves. But how did the now iconic Napa Cab stake its claim in the world of winemaking?
The Origin of Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon Comes to Napa
Originally crafted in southwest France, Cabernet Sauvignon first made its way to Napa in the mid-1800s. The grape can be a finicky one, but it thrived in the California climate, and over the next century, it became one of the most frequently planted grape varietals in Napa.
It wasn’t until 1976, however, that Napa took its place once and for all as the heartbeat of Cabernet Sauvignon production. It was then at the ‘Judgment of Paris Tasting’ that a blind taste test ranked Napa’s Cabernet Sauvignon at the best in the lineup, competing against the finest French wines in the world. This was the first time that a New World wine had outranked Old World wine. Suddenly, Napa had everyone’s attention.
Napa’s Climate & Terroir
Why, exactly, is Napa such a perfect spot to craft Cabernet Sauvignon? While the winemaking techniques behind the bottles have been cultivated and nurtured for centuries, the secret ingredient behind the best Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is Napa itself.
The warm Mediterranean climate of Napa is perfect for the grape varieties used in Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 2% of the world is considered to have a Mediterranean climate, and Napa’s sun-soaked days and cool breezes are the sweet spot for the perfect Cab. Different vineyard locations within the valley yield different styles of Cabernet Sauvignon; the hillside vineyards yield a more robust and rich wine than wines grown on the valley floor.
The variety of soil types in Napa also work to the Cabernet Sauvignon’s advantage, enhancing different notes and tasting profiles. However, while there are different types of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa, one thing rings true across the board – the gorgeous, warm Napa climate that we so love brings about deep, rich Cabernet Sauvignon that has become world-renowned.
Some of the Most Renowned & Best Known Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Selections
Ready to try the best Napa Cabernet Sauvignon for yourself? Here are a few of the most renowned selections in the valley.
Azur Wines
There is nothing like the world-class premium Cabernet Sauvignon of Azur Wines. A gorgeous expression of the Napa Valley, their classic Cab blends a rich mixture of valley floor and mountain fruit for a unique depth of flavor and aromatic freshness. Ripe, red fruits sing of their origin and are met with a round touch of oak for a full, perfectly-crafted glass. Or, try the Azur Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, made in the classic Bordeaux style. With grapes selected from the Napa hillsides, you’ll savor every sip of complex black fruits laced with a refreshing brightness.
Caymus
Caymus Vineyards is one of the leading larger volume producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. Their signature wines are dark in color, rich and velvety, a luscious experience with every sip. The best part of Caymus’s Cabernet Sauvignon wines? Like most larger brands, their goal is to produce similar wine year after year to create consistency. So, if you like this style, you know what you’ll get every time.
Silver Oak
This wine’s sweet black cherry and huckleberry aroma is laced with dry floral notes and a touch of sweet nutmeg for a complex yet silky glass. Crisp and clear, energetic and expansive, this ruby red wine is an elegant touch to any event. This is also a larger production wine that can be found anywhere. This tends to be a little more oaky, which some people really like.
Hundred Acre
The Hundred Acre Vineyards’ premium Cabernet Sauvignon wines are only available via a waitlist, which is common for smaller, more cult-like brands. With extended oak aging and deep, rich flavor, Hundred Acre wines are known for their creamy opulence. If you’re lucky enough to experience their sweet, noble tannins for yourself, you won’t be able to get enough.
Checkerboard Vineyards
A delicacy of the Diamond Mountain district, Cabernet Sauvignon from Checkerboard Vineyards is bursting with flavor and depth. Exceptionally expansive with a light acidity, this Cab is truly a delight for the senses. Checkerboard, like Hundred Acre and Azur, have very limited production and are available if you are on the allocation.
Visit Azur Wine Lounge for World-Class Cabernet Sauvignon
Unlike the larger wine producers, most small producers focus on quality over quantity. It’s these small producers that are the hidden gems in the Napa Valley for quality and experience.
At Azur Wine Lounge, you’ll encounter world-class Cabernet Sauvignon that sings of the magic of Napa in our elegant tasting room. Reserve a tasting flight with friends or pop by for a spontaneous glass at our wine bar and enjoy the best community hub in downtown Napa. We can’t wait for you to experience the best Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with us.