We’re coming up on International Cabernet Day y’all, officially the Thursday before Labor Day. Yes it is a total hashtag holiday, but hey it comes with wine instead of a greeting card, so I’m in.
I love Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington. If you aren’t buying Washington Cabernet Sauvignon you are missing out on great price points for all styles.
Here I am on KGW Portland Today with 3 Cabs under $30. Keep reading for more details.
I chose these Washington Cabernet Sauvignons because:
- It is almost Labor Day. I need delicious friendly wines I can enjoy at a BBQ
- Washington is my neighbor and whether $20 or $100 you can find Washington Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers.
- Each of these wines has a personality and story.
- They are available pretty much anywhere you buy good wine.
Barnard Griffin Columbia Valley Washington Cabernet Sauvignon $15
Lot of cheerful cherry and floral notes. Bright, intensely fruity, youthful and easy to drink. If you want a Cabernet Sauvignon to sit around with friends and wait for the grill to heat, this is a great choice. Rob Griffin has been making wine for 40 some odd years and it shows.
Find in Fred Meyer and New Seasons
Intrinsic Wine Co Cabernet Sauvignon $22
Find in major grocery stores
I love this Washington Cab so much. It is blueberry and lavender and pretty. The label, inspired from street art, is just like the wine alluring and approachable but complex. Anyone could be proud to present this as a gift for a host.
For the geekier among you the reason this wine is unique for a Cabernet Sauvignon is they don’t use a lot of new oak and ferment some of the wine in cement. And half the juice stays on the skins 9 months. It is just soaks up those really sultry fruit flavors.
H3 Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Crest $15
Find in major grocery stores.
I remember when I learned that H3 stood for Horse Heaven Hills I thought I uncovered the secret code. Horse Heaven Hills is a region in Washington (around the town of Prosser) that grows lovely cab. Something about the combination of the sun and wind there makes silky wines with fresh fruit.
I chose this wine for people who like that combination of fruit and oak. It is raspberry, boysenberry and vanilla. Big and juicy with some oaky flavors and a little sassafras on the finish. A very traditional style Cabernet and at unbelievable price.
Read more about what makes Horse Heaven Hills so special.
I know I can’t believe it’s almost Labor Day, either! Even weirder, last night Hubs and I looked at the calendar… and realized we don’t have ANY PLANS that whole weekend. I think that calls for a glass of cabernet!
Completely snuck up on me. We always have a house project and the (not funny) joke is the Helms labor on Labor Day. Thus the drinking.
I didn’t realize Washington had so many good cabs! I feel like this is the perfect time to crack open some red 🙂
The shift to cooler weather does make me went a bigger wine.
There are SO many. At different price points. WA really delivers on Cabs with more bang for your buck than Napa.
Cabs are my favorite so I’m glad to see a list of fantastic options that I haven’t tried yet. I’m excited that the OR weather is starting to transition, so these will come in useful on some of our cold, blustery days ahead!
Yes I can’t wait for some blustery days and bigger wines.
Wow, the Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon bottle is so beautifully designed, I love it. It also sounds delicious. I would also prefer any holiday that incorporated wine instead of a greeting card. I love Cabs and will put these all on my list, happy they are all affordable as well. Thank you for sharing.
I don’t usually pay much attention to labels (unless they are really bad) but this one is darn sexy.
I really enjoy all three of these selections! Gotta love Washington cabs. Big, bold, perfect for fall coming right up!
Yes I am ready for a change in seasons and palate.
My husband is the cab guy at our house. He loves those big, bold reds!