Bacchus Cellars, California Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023

Bacchus Cellars specializes in California wines that keep things simple—ripe fruit, clean winemaking, and wallet-friendly pricing. Their 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is textbook in all the best ways: generous, juicy, and easy to love. Sourced from vineyards across California’s warm interior valleys, this Cab delivers exactly what you expect—dark cherry, plum, baking spice, and a touch of vanilla, all wrapped in soft tannins and a smooth, round finish. There’s enough structure for burgers and barbecue, but nothing too weighty or oaky to get in the way of a second glass. It’s the kind of bottle that works just as well for Tuesday pasta night as it does on a picnic table with grilled steaks—and at this price, you won’t mind keeping it stocked. Pair with: cheeseburgers, BBQ chicken, meatloaf, or movie night with a slice of pizza.