Best and Worst Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Under $25 | Value Wines 

I agree with your assessment, you pointed out some great value cabs that were my on my “go-to” list many years ago. Now I seem to rarely drink cab unless it’s with a meal. Do people still drink cab for the love of it over say Malbec, Zinfandel, Chianti, Sangiovese…and other lighter and medium bodied reds that seem to be more suitable for casual consumption? Don’t hate on me- you are spot on but there are sooooo many reds that are well made and under $25 but they require a little curiosity and exploration. Wish good Pinot still existed at that price point- there are a few, but fleeting…cheers

Agree 100% with the 3 to avoid. I hate Josh - too sweet. I also have not enjoyed the Charlers Smith Substance - too thin for me. One that you didn't mention that I would say is a crowd pleaser for me is Juggernaugt Hillside Cab from Bogle. Black Stallion used to be my favorite in this category but I can't buy it for under 25 anymore. Thanks for the video

Totally agree with what you said about Freakshow and 19 Crimes. A couple of my favorites Cabs under $25 would be Justin and Kirkland Oakville.

I've had all the Cabs you talk about and mostly agree with you. I put the Educated Guess and the Oberon side by side in a tasting and the Oberon was clearly better. I'm not saying anything bad about the Educated Guess, but that day, the Oberon was better. This was a surprise for me as I expected the wines to be roughly equal but different in their details. Never know until we get some glasses and pull some corks.

Good that you also called out the producers one should avoid. Here in Finland finding good US Cabernet you might have to pay a bit more then 25 USD. Black Stallion Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is one I like.

Havent tried the Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon but their Malbec 2021 is a definite hit. Louis Martini , Liberty School and CS, nice picks.

Very Nice

Right there with you with Freakshow! Worst wine I ever tasted

As soon as you said freak show I liked the video

Petite Sirah from Bogle !! a winner ever time!!

Although not to my taste, the Josh cab seems to be a crowd pleaser in my circles. Definitely recipe wine. Justin Cab in this price range has my vote. And for a lower price point, the Double Black is not bad.

My wife really likes Casa Lapostolle from Chile and it is only $15 at my locale store. Seemed to be in that crowd pleaser category.

A friend and I tried the Michael David Petite Petit and actually enjoyed it. We decided to sample their other wines in the series and bought the three Freakshow red wines (didn't try the Chardonnay). BIG mistake! I don't know how these wines score well. They were not good at all. It gets worse. WAY worse! The Michael David Sixth Sense Syrah was a completely undrinkable mess. I was afraid my sink might puke it back up when I was pouring the rest down the drain. I am now afraid to go back and try the Petite Petit again, thinking it may have been a fluke that we liked it. I also don't see the need to give more money to a winery that has hurt me this badly.

Scattered Peaks is great for under $30

For me the higher quality Argentinian Cabernet can be a bit fruit forward and not may not stand up to oak that well. Zuccardi never uses oak so thats not really an issue but Michel Rolland for example makes a Cab that is just super vanilla heavy with ripe fruit flavors. To me it is very uninteresting if there is no herbaceous character and that much oak, I believe MR does 18 months in new barrels. Bordeaux is honestly still just awesome value if you find the right producers

How do you rate Chateau Ste Michelle Cab from Colombia Valley?

Totally agree about 19 Crimes! Just awful stuff.