Cabernet Sauvignon Pairings

Pairing: 2009 Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon

The amount of layered flavor that winemaker Juan Muñoz Oca packs into this $15 bottle is astounding.

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.

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.

Pairing: 2009 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon

The rocky slopes of Pritchard Hill give this Napa Cab fierce, muscular intensity.

Pairing: 2009 Viña Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon

The talents of winemaker Paul Hobbs meet ripe Argentinean grapes in a juicy, black-cherry-scented red.

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.

Pairing: 2008 Corison Kronos Cabernet Sauvignon

From old vines surrounding the winery in St. Helena, this offers impressively vibrant black cherry and spice flavors.

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.

Pairing: 2008 Balgownie Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

From Balgownie's original vineyard (planted in 1969), this savory, mint-edged Cabernet channels Bordeaux.

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.