If you want to buy Napa Cabernet Sauvignon online, the useful question is not which label is famous — it is which bottles are actually on a shelf, at what price, from which vintage. Del Mesa Liquor, a family-owned liquor store in San Diego, California, stocks a deep bench of Napa Cabernet in its wine collection, from a $69.99 old-school classic to a Paso Robles flagship rated 97 points. Every bottle below is in stock and available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor today.
The flagships
- Daou Estate Paso Robles Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — $189.99 (2 in stock). Technically Paso Robles, not Napa — DAOU Mountain in the Adelaida District at 2,200 feet — but it belongs in any California Cabernet conversation: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot from free-run juice only, aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Wine Advocate scored it 97 points. Two bottles in stock.
- Caymus 'Special Selection' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2017 — $259.99 (1 in stock). The Wagner family's best barrels of the 2017 harvest from their Rutherford estate, with extended barrel aging. Special Selection is the only wine ever named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year twice; the 2017 earned 94 points and a 'Highly Recommended' from the magazine. One bottle on the shelf.
- Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 — $199.99 (7 in stock). Napa's most recognizable Cabernet: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and a touch of Malbec, at 14.5% ABV. Wine Spectator gave the 2018 95 points, and the winery suggests it will cellar through 2043. Our deepest-stocked flagship at seven bottles.
The working cellar
- Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 — $72.99 (10 in stock). From the house Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded in 1976: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, aged 16 months in French oak (50% new) at 14.5% ABV. Scored 92 by both Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling. Ten bottles in stock.
- Heitz Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 — $69.99 (15 in stock). The old-school benchmark — Heitz released its first Napa Valley Cabernet in 1961. The 2017 is predominantly St. Helena estate fruit, each lot aged separately in French Limousin oak, then held a further year in bottle before release. Wine Enthusiast 92, Wine Spectator 91. Fifteen bottles, our deepest wine stock.
- Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2023 — $119.99 (6 in stock). The one non-Cabernet on this list, for the Pinot drinker at the table: an estate Pinot Noir from Sea Smoke's certified organic and biodynamic vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills, named for its south-facing blocks and built as the more elegant of the estate's two Pinots. Six bottles in stock — see the full red wine collection for more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Napa Cabernet to buy?
For a special occasion, Caymus Special Selection 2017 ($259.99) and Silver Oak Napa Valley 2018 ($199.99) are the classic names. For value with pedigree, Heitz Cellars 2017 at $69.99 and Duckhorn 2022 at $72.99 drink far above their price.
How long can Napa Cabernet age?
Structured vintages like the Silver Oak 2018 are built to cellar for a decade or more — the winery suggests through 2043. The Duckhorn 2022 and Heitz 2017 are ready now and will hold for years.
What food pairs with Napa Cabernet?
Dry-aged ribeye, lamb and hard aged cheeses are the classic matches — the tannin in a wine like the Daou Soul of a Lion is built for rich, fatty food.
Can I order wine online?
Yes — every bottle listed is in stock and available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, with shipping where permitted; see our shipping and return policy for details. Wine gifts sit in our gift sets collection.
Prefer bubbles? Read our prestige Champagne guide, browse the wider wine collection, or keep up with new arrivals on the Del Mesa blog.