Hello, I used to post frequently on the Wine Spectator forums but I have been out of the wine game for a while now. Came back to do some research and hated whatever they did with the format so I registered an account here.
Anyway, I’m trying to find a California Cab or blend to wow my dad who is turning 80 soon. I’ve definitely tried over the years but never can quite amaze him.
He just loves classic Napa cabs and wineries.
What he loves:
Caymas regular and SS
Cask 23
Chateau Montelena Estate
Silver Oak Napa
Mondavi Reserve
Joseph Phelps
Heitz Martha’s Vineyard
Somes wines I’ve tried to get him to branch out with but he always reverts back to his classics namely Caymus:
Foley Claret
Gemstone
Mollydooker Enchanted Path
Mollydooker Carnival of Love
El Nido
Flor de Pingus
Tignanello
Blackbird Paramour
Don Melchor
Dominus
Karl Lawrence
Close to that wow:
Peter Michael Les Pavots
Bond Matriarch
Leonetti Reserve
So, any suggestions in the $100-$200 range? Maybe I need to get up over that $200 mark in Napa to really get something special in a modern big fruit up front style that might surprise him? Please no Bordeaux.
I was thinking maybe Kapcsandy is worth a shot?
I’m sure there is plenty of new California stuff I’m unaware of. Thanks.
Forget that advice about him not branching out, you’re never too old for finding new loves. Get him an amazing bottle of what he enjoys, and then consider…
Maybach Materium or Amoenus
Harlan The Maiden
Futo OV/SL
Memento Mori Dr Crane or Las Piedras
Riverain Best Barrel Selection
Cade Howell Mountain Reserve…
this list can go on and on… And why stop with just one bottle? He’s going to be 80, and the more the merrier
Already did and I agree. I’m sure we all have our favorites but still enjoy trying new wines.
Get him an amazing bottle of what he enjoys, and then consider…
Maybach Materium or Amoenus
Harlan The Maiden
Futo OV/SL
Memento Mori Dr Crane or Las Piedras
Riverain Best Barrel Selection
Cade Howell Mountain Reserve…
this list can go on and on… And why stop with just one bottle? He’s going to be 80, and the more the merrier >
I’ve heard good things about Maybach so that might be it and considering how much the Bond Matriach was liked no doubt Harlan’s Maiden would be as well.
Second the Bevan Wildfoote and Riverain. Check out Bevan’s other wines also, particularly the Tench, EE and Calixtro…Harbison if you can find it at a good price