What gives a cabernet sauvignon it's character?

I'm a bit dense on wines, even though I drink them occasionally. What gives a cabernet sauvignon it's character? I favor merlot most of the time, but have no idea why. Are there any general characteristics of cabernet sauvignon wines that make them cabernet's?

Cabernet sauvignon has a well defined aroma, typically the smells are violets, blackcurrant, cedar, and spice if the wine was produced in Europe.

The other thing is cabernet sauvignon is a type of grape, and if grown in California such as the Napa Valley area (as most cabernet in the US is grown there) the characteristics can be similar to those of the European grown grapes, but may be more overwhelmingly reminicent of oak, pepper, earth, ripe berries, and chocolate.

Last, if the grapes are grown in cooler areas with lower temperatures, cabernet sauvignon grapes have a more herbaceous character. Hope this helps (urp).