How do you tell Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah apart in a blind tasting?

The clearest separator between Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is acidity: Cabernet Sauvignon is Medium(+) while Syrah is Medium. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.

Is Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah higher in acidity?

On the WSET ladder, Cabernet Sauvignon is Medium(+) and Syrah is Medium for acidity.

Are Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah red or white?

Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are both red grape varieties.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs Syrah — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

Structure compared	Cabernet Sauvignon	Syrah
Acidity	Medium(+)	Medium
Tannin	High	Medium(+)
Body	Full	Full
Alcohol	Medium	High
Color intensity	Deep	Deep
Aromatic intensity	Medium(+)	Pronounced

Signature aromas

Cabernet Sauvignon

blackcurrantcassiscedar

Syrah

blackberryblack peppersmoke

Common questions

How do you tell Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah apart in a blind tasting?: The clearest separator between Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is acidity: Cabernet Sauvignon is Medium(+) while Syrah is Medium. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah higher in acidity?: On the WSET ladder, Cabernet Sauvignon is Medium(+) and Syrah is Medium for acidity.
Are Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah red or white?: Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are both red grape varieties.