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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

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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 keeping the full body and weight, while moving away from too oaky or woody and too drying or too tannic.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Montepulciano

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Bonarda

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Morgon

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Argentine Malbec

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
A little less oaky or woody.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Merlot

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Primitivo

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Substantially less drying or too tannic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Bonarda

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

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

Morgon

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Bonarda

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

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

Morgon

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

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

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Bonarda

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

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

Morgon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Gamay

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.

Primitivo

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Similar but less tannic

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Bonarda

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Madiran

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Priorat

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Toro

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Similar but fresher

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

Chianti

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Loire Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 lighter, 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 lighter, and more oaky.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

English sparkling rosé

English sparkling rosé scores closest to Washington Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ruby Port

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

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

Vin Doux Naturel

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

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

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.

Corvinone

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 lighter, 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 lighter.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Barossa Shiraz

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Morgon

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

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

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more restrained

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Bonarda

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Similar but more floral

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gamay

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but more savoury

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

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 lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti

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

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

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Australian Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Similar but fruitier

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

Primitivo

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

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

Argentine Malbec

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

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

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 lighter.

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

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.

Merlot

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Southern Rhône blend

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Cahors

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Chianti

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more oaky.

Sonoma 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 more tannic and structured.

Napa Valley 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 more tannic and structured.

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Merlot

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

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

Primitivo

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Morgon

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

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.

Montepulciano

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Morgon

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

A step up

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.

Argentine Malbec

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

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti

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

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

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.