I recently had a Heitz Napa Cabernet which I really enjoyed, much more than other California cabs I have tried. In doing limited research I have found that this is made in a “balanced, old Napa style”. I am not totally sure what that means, so I am hoping for some help for a newbie. What other wineries, vintages etc, should I look to try that would be on the style of Heitz.
Ceritas, Peter Martin Ray Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon. Coming from Santa Cruz Mountains and exactly what you’re looking for. Usually direct to consumer only but a few retailers have small amounts available which you can find through wine-searcher.com
Of course, Bordeaux is a great place to buy cabernets, merlots and blends which are in a less ripe and sweet style. Australia as well. You didn’t literally say you were looking for Napa or California, though it kind of sounded like you are, so I don’t know if you’re interested in going down those roads.
Otherwise, good suggestions above: Mount Eden, Ridge (their Estate Cabernet is around $50 and very balanced), Frog’s Leap.
Ridge Estate Cab. These are the lots that don’t go into the Monte Bello bottling. It’s also $65, not $150-$200. However, like Monte Bello, it can definitely stand some time in the cellar.
If you’re interested in tight, green, light-bodied mountain fruit, then try this one.
My understanding is that it’s a “stencil” of a rather famous wine; it’s certainly quite tasty, and it’s priced very aggressively [vis-a-vis what it would cost if it were being sold under its original label].
But it’s not for the Pop-N-Pour Infanticide crowd, and you’ll need to do some serious work on the oxidation side of things in order to coax it out of its shell.
You read my mind. I was going to edit my post to ask if Bordeaux would be a better option for me. Can I get decent Bordeaux drinkable now for a similar price? Any recommendations are appreciated, it seems like there are more Bordeaux options than California Cabs . Thanks for all the responses so far.