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.
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.
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 oaky or woody and too peppery.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montsant
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
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 more herbal and green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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 lighter.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Langhe Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Etna Rosso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Washington Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Washington Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Washington Cabernet Sauvignon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
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.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
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 more herbal and green.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 less spicy.
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 less spicy.
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 spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 less spicy, and lighter.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
St Laurent
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
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 more herbal and green.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Coonawarra 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 less spicy.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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 lighter.
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 less spicy.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
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 lighter.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
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 more herbal and green.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
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 more herbal and green.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
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 more oaky, and spicier.
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.