If you like this, try…

Wines like Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

New World ripeness with Old World structure — a product of desert heat and extreme diurnal swing east of the Cascades. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

Refine

What do you like about Washington Cabernet Sauvignon?

Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.

I like…

The rich dark fruit The bright red fruit How full and weighty it is The firm, grippy structure

But it’s a bit…

too jammy or sweet-tasting too tart or sour-fruited too heavy too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery

Clear all

What these words mean

The rich dark fruit: Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
The bright red fruit: Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.

Looking for something moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too oaky or woody and too heavy.

Based on what you said

Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less heavy.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less heavy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less heavy.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less heavy.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less heavy.

Negroamaro

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less heavy.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less oaky or woody.
A little less heavy.

Corvinone

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
A little less heavy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Change the structure

Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.

Similar but lighter

Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Canaiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Similar but lower in alcohol

Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.

Cru Beaujolais

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Gamay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.

Mavrud

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.

Brunello di Montalcino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less spicy.

Chianti

Both are made from merlot.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Saperavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.

California traditional-method sparkling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Corvinone

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Rondinella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and broader and softer.

Pinotage

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Rioja

Rioja scores closest to Washington Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Rioja Reserva

Rioja Reserva scores closest to Washington Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.

Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Cahors

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

Canaiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Negroamaro

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Cahors

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

Languedoc red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.

Broad-leaved Melnik

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Corvinone

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

Tinta Barroca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Cahors

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.

Chianti

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Chianti Classico

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.

Languedoc red

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Change the mood

Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.

A safe next step

Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.

Merlot

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and stronger and warmer.

Southern Rhône blend

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and stronger and warmer.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

A better-value alternative

Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.

Montsant

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Montepulciano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Bonarda

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Priorat

Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.

Syrah

Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

How these are chosen

Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.