Cabernet Sauvignon Pairings
Sticky Barbecued Beef Ribs
Pairing: 2009 Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon
The amount of layered flavor that winemaker Juan Muñoz Oca packs into this $15 bottle is astounding.
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Beef Stir-Fry with Fresh and Pickled Ginger
Pairing: 2009 Vineyard 29 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa cult-Cab style at a non-cult price, with voluminous, soft tannins, waves of silky black plum and blackberry fruit.
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Fried Tofu with Spicy Ginger-Sesame Sauce
Pairing: 2009 Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon
The warmth of Australia’s Barossa Valley provides the plush depth; good winemaking keeps the flavors focused.
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Easy Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine
Pairing: 2009 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
The rocky slopes of Pritchard Hill give this Napa Cab fierce, muscular intensity.
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Chicken with Port and Figs
Pairing: 2009 Viña Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon
The talents of winemaker Paul Hobbs meet ripe Argentinean grapes in a juicy, black-cherry-scented red.
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Pan-Roasted Veal Chops with Cabernet Sauce
Pairing: Morandé Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
One pairing rule is that the wine used to make a sauce will almost always be great to drink with the dish (use good wine, though). Cabernet Sauvignon is terrific with these meaty chops. Try one from South America—like this cherry-driven bottle from Chile's Maipo Valley.
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Rosemary-Pepper Beef Rib Roast with Porcini Jus
Pairing: 2008 Corison Kronos Cabernet Sauvignon
From old vines surrounding the winery in St. Helena, this offers impressively vibrant black cherry and spice flavors.
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Pizza Vesuvio with the Works
Pairing: 2008 Langmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon
Blueberry and currant notes mark this sleek yet powerful Cab. Its name pays tribute to pioneer blacksmith Christian Auricht, who settled in the hamlet of Langmeil in the 1830s.
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Roasted Vegetable Tarts
Pairing: 2008 Balgownie Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
From Balgownie's original vineyard (planted in 1969), this savory, mint-edged Cabernet channels Bordeaux.
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Chorizo Poached in Red Wine
Pairing: 2008 Powers Reserve Sheridan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
A big, brooding powerhouse red, this Cabernet offers tremendous structure and flavor concentration at a reasonable price.