First, a note about the term,” Cabernet Reserve.”  For Italian wines and Spanish wines, this term indicates a wine that has received extra aging.  For French wines, where the term “Cabernet Reserve” is not regulated, it still means that the wine is better in quality than that producer’s regular Cabernet.  In the U.S., “Cabernet Reserve” has historically been used in the same sense, but lately has been overused so that it no longer has any meaning.  So don’t rely on the terminology on the label; find and read reviews of fine wines!

Regions with long-established reputations for top cabernets include Napa Valley, California; Coonawarra, Western Australia; and Maipo in Chile.

Cabernet Sauvignon’s vast popularity means there are a lot of options to buy wine in the $10 to $20 price range.  Chile and Washington State offer particularly good values for buying wine in this price range.  Premium Cabernet Sauvignon starts at about $20 and can command well over $100 per bottle.  The best Cabernets are from wineries such as Dunn’s Howell Mountain, Pride Mountain, and Mount Veneer.

Cabernet Franc as a stand-alone varietal is a relatively rare offering from a few American wineries.  It is found more readily in Loire Valley wineries in the districts of Bourgeuil, Saumur-Champigny and Chinon, which is considered the best and most popular red wine.  Chinon is considered a crisp, light- to medium-bodied wine, often with notes of cherries or raspberries and more pronounced herbal aromas.  The best U.S. Cabernet Franc wines come from:  Benziger, Chappellet, Crocker & Starr, Jarvis, La Jota, and Pine Ridge.