10 Outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons Under $75

The acclaimed California region takes the spotlight with new reviews of 2021 Cabernets, including one blend, all relative values at 90 points or higher

Beaulieu Vineyard's Ranch No. 1 vines with trees in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
For more than a century, Beaulieu Vineyard's Ranch No. 1 in Rutherford has been a key source of grapes for the Napa Valley winery's noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignon. (Courtesy of Beaulieu Vineyard and Frank Gutierrez)

When it comes to California wine, Napa Valley has a reputation for higher prices. Yet, when you look beyond blue-chip bottles sought after by collectors, there are still many outstanding examples that don’t break the bank. This week’s list spotlights ten recently tasted Cabernet Sauvignon reds from the exceptional 2021 vintage. All scored at least 90 points and are priced less than $75, making them relative values in a region where many Cabernets exceed $300.

Finding well-priced California Cabernet often means seeking out the big-name wineries. While several of those prominent, familiar names are in this lineup, there are also a few family-owned wineries making wines that offer a lot of bang for the buck. Take Reynolds Family, which has made a ripe, lush Cabernet with warmed cassis and plum reduction flavors; it is among the top-scoring wines in this selection. Owning your vineyards, rather than purchasing grapes, is a great way to keep costs down, and this wine comes from the Reynolds' estate vineyard just south of Napa's Stags Leap District.

This lineup also includes Beringer's Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Distinction Series 2021, one of the top scorers, a dense red with dark fruit and espresso notes. Read on to get our score and full tasting note for this outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon red and nine others!

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