The result of an illicit affair a hundred-odd years ago between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon today enjoys more worldwide popularity than both of its parents combined. It is the principal grape of Bordeaux, and as such has rightly earned its place among the greatest and most long-lived wines of the Old World; of course, it is also the most heralded grape of California, positioning it at the forefront of the New World wine scene as well. Today, Cabernet Sauvignon has a toe-hold (and then some) in virtually every winemaking country on earth, and remains one of the most popular varietals worldwide. Invariably full-bodied and frequently high in tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon is truly a powerhouse of a grape. In its highest form, Cabernet Sauvignon can age for over a century without losing structure. In Bordeaux, and elsewhere in the world, it is frequently blended with the Merlot grape (among others) to soften the overall profile of a wine.