Cabernet Sauvignon Price Guide (Range, Factors Affecting It, Best Wines)

The price range of Cabernet Sauvignon wines is pretty wide - mainly because it is grown in almost every wine region, and it’s needs differ based on the terroir. You’ll also find an astounding range of styles - from blended to varietal, and more, adding to the differences in pricing. 

So, while there are plenty of mass-produced Cabernet Sauvignon wines for as low as $5, you’ll also find a half-a-million-dollar bottle or two from prestigious winemakers. For instance, the 1869 Chateau Lafite Rothschild red wine is worth a staggering $385,310 in 2021.

Let’s explore the Cabernet Sauvignon price range in detail, factors affecting their prices, and the 10 best bottles to buy in 2021.

Cabernet Sauvignon Price Range

To illustrate the wide swings in Cabernet Sauvignon prices across producers and regions, we’ve divided the wines into most expensive, mid-range, and budget-friendly.

1. Most Expensive Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

2. Mid-Range Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

3. Budget-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

But, what determines the prices of Cabernet Sauvignon wine?

Factors That Affect Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Prices

Here are a few factors that affect the price tag of a Cabernet Sauvignon bottle:

• Terroir
• Viticulture And Winemaking Practices
• Ageability

1. Terroir 

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape varietal mimics the character of the terroir. So, the quality of a Cabernet Sauvignon wine depends greatly on the region where the fruit is cultivated. 

Hotter climate wines are dark with high sugar and low alcohol, while colder climate wines have high acidity and alcohol.

Terroir also imparts a unique mineral and earthy flavor to the wine, resulting in higher quality and prices. That’s why the exceptional Cabernet wines from Pauillac (Bordeaux) and Napa Valley command high prices.

In France, Cabernet Sauvignon is used in the iconic Bordeaux blend (along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) which further adds to the complexity of the wine.

2. Viticulture And Winemaking Practices

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape can develop untamed green “vegetable” and green bell pepper flavors due to the naturally occurring pyrazines in the grape. Taming this greenness and enhancing the fruity character of the wine needs expert pruning which requires professional labor and time.  

Also, to achieve a spicier and concentrated flavor, Cabernet Sauvignon wine is aged in high-quality (and expensive) French oak barrels. That’s why oak-aged Cab Sauv is expensive.

3. Ageability

Cabernet Sauvignon wines from new world regions like Paso Robles, Sonoma, or Colchagua Valley can evolve for 7-10+ years. 

Superior Cabernet Sauvignon vintage wines from Bordeaux or a brilliant Napa Cab can age for 20+ years, making them extremely popular among collectors and investors.

Tough to pick a wine for your collection? 

Here’s a curated list of wines to make things easier for you:

10 Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wines in 2021 (Expensive, Mid-Range, and Budget Options)

Here’s our list of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines to add to your fine wine collection:

1. 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon ($22,325)
2. 1945 Chateau Mouton Rothschild ($17,309)
3. 1959 Chateau Lafite Rothschild ($4974)
4. 2011 Tusk Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($1,084)
5. 2002 Abreu Vineyard Madrona Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon ($753)
6. 1997 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon ($670)
7. 2018 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon ($458)
8. 2015 Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon ($328)
9. 2018 Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ($91)
10. 2016 Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($61)

1. 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon ($22,325)

A seductive nose of black currant, dark cherry, and vanilla opens this intense Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, the strong tannin content is softened by plush red fruit and spice. 

2. 1945 Chateau Mouton Rothschild ($17,309)

This stunning Bordeaux wine gives off exotic aromas of black fruits, cedar, and spices (black pepper, anise, saffron). The palate has a velvety texture with decadent notes of cherry, chocolate, and incense.

3. 1959 Chateau Lafite Rothschild ($4,974)

A Bordeaux blend with an intense bouquet of tobacco, cassis, and herbs. On the palate, the wine has ripe fruit flavor, cedar, spice, and earth flavors. 

4. 2011 Tusk Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($1,084)

This delicious varietal wine from the Napa Valley has a nose of cherry, blackberry, along with earthy and mineral notes. The medium-bodied wine has silky tannins.

5. 2002 Abreu Vineyard Madrona Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon ($753)

The exquisite red wine has aromas of black currant, blueberries, spring flowers. The palate offers fine tannins and fresh acidity.

6. 1997 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon ($670)

This Cabernet from Chile has an aroma of cassis, vanilla, tobacco, and chocolate. Mellow and refined tannins on the palate with a persistent finish.

7. 2018 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon ($458)

A full-bodied red wine with notes of vanilla, mocha, and bourbon. On the palate, lush fruit flavor gives way to a mineralic finish.

8. 2015 Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon ($328)

A vibrant Cabernet with black and red fruit, cedar, and spice. The full-bodied wine is fresh with ripe tannins and earthy flavors to finish.

9. 2018 Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ($91)

A rich and fruity Cabernet with aromas of cassis, plum, cocoa with licorice, and dark berry flavor on the palate. 

10. 2016 Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($61)

This great wine has a nose of black currant, black cherry, and spices. Fruits dominate the palate, ending with earthy and smoky notes. 

Invest in Collectible Cabernet Sauvignon Bottles Through Vinovest

The versatile Cabernet Sauvignon wines delight every red wine lover. To truly experience the brilliance of this grape and it’s terroir-influenced characteristics, you should get hold of some of the remarkable vintages we shared above.

If you want to invest in an age-worthy bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or even Champagne, visit the Vinovest website now.