08-07-2025
America's Best Cabernet Wine, According To Decanter World Wine Awards
Glass of Cabernet Sauvignon overlooking vineyards in Napa getty
Eleven American Cabernet Sauvignon wines scored 92 points or higher at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The competition is the largest wine contest globally and is regarded as one of the most prestigious. Over 18,000 wines were entered in the recently completed 2025 judging. Here is a brief overview and tasting note for each of these wines.
A Sonoma classic, Kenwood's Six Ridges was the top-scoring American Sauvignon wine, earning 97/100 points and winning a Best in Show award. The wine highlights the diverse terrains of Sonoma County. The Alexander Valley Cabernets, in particular, are known for their ripeness and finesse.
The wine offers aromas of cassis, vanilla, clove, and cedar pencil shavings. The palate presents flavors of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, and hints of anise, supported by a tannic backbone of smooth, well-ripened, and integrated tannins, along with balanced acidity. The finish is long, polished, and velvety, with lingering sweet spice and balanced acidity.
Founded in 1983, L'Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation, family-owned winery and a pioneer in the Walla Walla Valley. Renowned for producing balanced, expressive wines, their Cabernet Sauvignon comes from certified sustainable vineyards.
The wine offers aromas of blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, dried herbs, and a distinctive graphite note. It's full-bodied and flavorful on the palate, revealing layers of black fruit, tobacco, espresso, vanilla, and a touch of oak. The finish is long and structured, with polished tannins and a savory, mineral edge.
Avinodos is a boutique producer dedicated to sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking in Napa Valley's renowned Stags Leap District. The AVA is known for producing elegant, age-worthy Cabernets.
The wine displays aromas of violets, blueberries, cedar, and baking spices. It is full-bodied and well-structured on the palate, with refined tannins and lively acidity, highlighting ripe, earthy black currants, cocoa, and clove. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering dark fruit flavors and a touch of toasted oak. Watermill, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, Walla Walla Valley, Oregon, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. $35
Watermill Winery, located in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, produces estate-grown wines from the Rocks District and nearby regions. Their Cabernets highlight structure and minerality.
The wine offers aromas of black cherry, plum, crushed stone, and olive tapenade. It is full-bodied on the palate with dusty tannins and bright acidity, displaying flavors of dark fruit, savory herbs, and earthy undertones. The finish is long and spicy.
Vineyards in the middle of wheat fields north of Walla Walla, Washington getty Watermill Winery, Red Blend, 2021, Walla Walla Valley, Oregon, 2021, 14.2% ABV, 750 ml. $45
A carefully crafted blend from estate vineyards, often composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, reflecting the diverse terroir of the Walla Walla Valley.
The wine displays aromas of ripe red plum, blackberry jam, smoked meat, chocolate, and espresso. It feels silky and well-balanced on the palate, with ripe, integrated tannins and notes of cherry, dark chocolate, and baking spice. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering hints of red fruit. Copperfield, Quintessence Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Washington, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml.
This wine comes from the renowned Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain. The vineyard is known for its warm microclimate and for producing bold, powerful wines. This Cabernet displays density and concentration.
The nose reveals aromas of blackcurrant, eucalyptus, toasted oak, and dark chocolate. It's dense and full-bodied on the palate, with a strong tannic backbone and lively acidity, displaying flavors of blackberry, espresso, and graphite. The finish is long and intense, with lingering notes of dark fruit and a faint smokiness. Dixie & Bass, 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington State, 2021, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. $19
A newcomer to Columbia Valley, Dixie & Bass creates elegant, fruit-forward wines that showcase terroir and subtle oak influence.
The wine offers aromas of red and black fruit, such as raspberry and cassis, along with hints of sage and fresh earth. It feels fresh and flavorful on the palate, with ripe tannins and well-balanced acidity that highlight flavors of red and black fruit, black tea, and subtle vanilla. The finish is medium in length, with lingering notes of red and black fruits. The Fifth Empire, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2022, 14.1% ABV, 750 ml. $76
The Fifth Empire exemplifies a modern Napa approach, offering a luxurious, fruit-forward style with a well-structured, tannic profile, while prioritizing finesse over the traditional, bold Napa character. The grapes are sourced from top Napa sub-AVAs.
The wine offers aromas of black cherry, crème de cassis, graphite, and various baking spices. It's rich and layered on the palate, with a well-defined tannic structure of ripe, well-integrated tannins and notable acidity, revealing flavors of plum, dark berries, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee. The finish is long and velvety, with lingering notes of dark fruits and hints of anise.
Ripe Cabernet Sauvignon grapes ready for harvest in Napa Valley, California. getty Silvia Cellars, 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150
Silvia Cellars focuses on small-batch, high-quality wines from top Napa vineyards, especially collectible reserve-tier Cabernet.
The wine features intense aromas of black fruits, with notes of toasted oak, lavender, and cinnamon. It's bold and concentrated on the palate, with ripe, well-integrated tannins that reveal blackberry, currant, seasoned oak, and dark chocolate. The finish is long, smooth, and powerful, with lingering hints of dark fruit and wood spices—a classic example of a robust Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Grgich Hills Estate, 2022 Paradise Block Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville, California, 14% ABV, 750 ml. $240
This single-block wine from the renowned Grgich Hills Estate highlights old-vine Cabernet from Yountville, emphasizing complexity and balance.
The wine exhibits aromas of mulberry, forest floor, clove, and cedar, with subtle hints of cigar box. It's elegant and intense on the palate, with ripe, smooth, well-integrated tannins and lively acidity, showing flavors of red fruits, especially red currant, cocoa, and savory herbs. The finish is long and silky, with lingering notes of red fruits and subtle oak. Clos du Val, 2022 Yettalil, Stags Leap District, California, 14.8% ABV, 750 ml. $200
'Yettalil' is Clos du Val's flagship blend, originating from the winery's renowned Stags Leap vineyards. Usually, it's a Bordeaux blend with a dominant Cabernet.
The wine displays aromas of red and black fruits, including blackberries and raspberries, along with notes of lavender, cedar, and graphite. The palate presents a layered complexity with ripe, well-integrated tannins showcasing red and black berries, plum, sage, and leather. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of red and black fruit and a hint of minerality.
American Cabernet Sauvignon is gaining recognition worldwide. From Napa's sunny slopes to Walla Walla's rugged charm and Alexander Valley's refined complexity, these wines showcase regional character, craftsmanship, and aging potential.
With scores of 92 and above—and a Best in Show nod for Kenwood's Six Ridges—these Cabernets are more than just award-winners; they serve as benchmarks. Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or just Cabernet-curious, these wines deserve a place in your glass—and your cellar. More From Forbes Forbes The World's Best Pinot Noir From The 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Top American Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's 50 Best Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef
