Cabernet sauvignon

Cabernet sauvignon at T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor in Brandon, Mississippi: what it is, how to choose it, and the brands on our shelf.

Cabernet sauvignon is the red most people in Brandon are reaching for, and the one most often bought for someone else. Thick skins give it colour, tannin and structure, which is why it tastes dark, firm and a little drying on its own and turns soft the moment it meets a steak.

How to choose

What is on the plate? Cabernet wants fat and char: ribeye, burgers off the grill, lamb, aged cheddar. If dinner is lighter than that, pinot noir is the better call.

How ripe do you want it? Napa and Paso Robles cabernet is plush, oaky and generous. Bordeaux is drier and more savoury, with cedar and tobacco. Washington and Chile sit in between. The region on the label tells you more about style than the vintage does.

Drinking it without food? Look for a softer style or a cabernet-based red blend, where merlot rounds out the middle.

Serving. About 62 to 65 degrees, which in Mississippi means twenty minutes in the fridge. A young, tight bottle opens up with half an hour in a decanter.

Still deciding?

Brands on our shelf

All brands we carry

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Common questions

What is cabernet sauvignon?
Cabernet sauvignon is a red grape variety known for firm tannin, dark-fruit aromas and the ability to retain structure in warm climates. It is grown widely and appears both as a varietal wine and as a major part of red blends.
How do I choose a cabernet sauvignon?
Compare region, alcohol level, vintage and whether the label mentions oak or ageing. Warmer regions commonly produce riper fruit and fuller body, while cooler sites can retain more acidity and herbal character.
What food goes with cabernet sauvignon?
Cabernet sauvignon's tannin and body work well with beef, lamb, mushrooms and charred foods. Protein and fat soften the impression of tannin, while lighter dishes may be overwhelmed by a full-bodied example.
Does T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor carry cabernet sauvignon?
Yes. T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor carries cabernet sauvignon at 237 Orleans Way, Suite B, Brandon, Mississippi. Browse the brand names on this page, then call (769) 348-0006 to confirm a specific bottle before you drive in.