The Holiday Table Loves A Big Red

If someone were to ask you to name one luxury wine brand right now, odds are you'd say Caymus. After all, Caymus is famous. But did you know that you can get wines made by Caymus Vineyards exclusively at ABC stores in Florida for a fraction of the price? If you love rich, velvety cabernet sauvignons, this cab is a must-try. It's bursting with a lush, ripe fruit flavor that reminds us of chocolate-covered cherries. Simply divine. 

If you've been searching for the finest Napa Valley cabernet under $20 on the market, you can end your search here. This 91point rated cabernet delivers incredible value for its modest price point, and we'll even let you in on a little secret: we can't say where, but the grapes were sourced from one of the most iconic vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley. Sip on sumptuous dark berry and mocha flavors and know you're getting some of Napa Valley's best for lowest. 

Octopoda is one of those wines that catches your eye because of the exquisite bottle design, but the contents are just as impressive. The 2024 vintage of this cabernet franc just received a 91point rating from the Tasting Panel, adding to Octopoda's winning streak of 90+ scores. This fruity, yet refined cabernet is the perfect match for barbecue, spaghetti bolognese or a big, juicy steak. 

Looking for a family-owned wine that shows off the best of a terroir you may not have tried before? Check out this fabulous red blend by the Pedroncellis in Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley, one of the region's founding families. The wine speaks for itself even if you aren't a wine history buff, though; this big red bursts with berry compote, fig and cocoa aromas on the nose, followed by an explosion of cherry, chocolate and currant flavors on the tongue. If you're eating a spicy dish, this wine will cut the heat to refresh your palate between bites. 

Want to know what the pros drink? Our wine team can't get enough of this Argentinian malbec. It consistently gets 90+ ratings with the current vintage receiving an impressive 93 points from James Suckling. On the palate, you'll get jammy, mouthwatering blue and black fruits, soft tannins and a lengthy finish. This wine is the ideal match for a charcuterie board loaded with interesting, aged cheeses — it'll play nice with everything on your board while still being able to stand up to a variety of bold flavors. 

Another one to try for fans of rich, velvety cabs, this selection from Paso Robles delivers outstanding value for its robust flavor. It's also consistently rated 90+ points and provides that plush mouthfeel that cabernet lovers melt for. Opolo is one of the fastest-growing wineries in the U.S. — once you try this budget-friendly banger, you'll understand why. 

For those who enjoy full-bodied, silky smooth wines with ripe tannins, this red blend is a fantastic "cheers to the weekend" bottle. It's from Bordeaux, one of the most iconic winemaking regions in the world, and each sip bursts with elegant red fruit flavor. This wine also pairs famously with game, so hunters might enjoy this bottle alongside the spoils of their latest hunting trip. 

Rounding out the list is a favorite varietal of our wine experts, Brunello di Montalcino. If you're ready to level up your typical glass of cabernet, this is your next tasting target. This Brunello is vibrant and harmonious with powerful aromas and flavors of cherry, strawberry, florals and a hint of leather. Pair it with anything rich in umami flavor, but a creamy mushroom risotto would make this bottle sing.