Another Help My Choose From a List Thread

WINE TALK
1

Heading to Chicago Cut (steakouse) tonight. I am the client, but I’ll be expected to choose from the list. Would prefer not to take advantage of the situation, so not looking for a trophy; what might be drinking well at a reasonable price point?

The list is hard to view online, but here are the Cabs:
Cabernet Sauvignon

Sequoia Grove 2013 — $85.00(Bottle)
Shafer One Point Five Stags’ Leap Leap District 2013 — $215.00(Bottle)
Chimney Rock 2013 — $170.00(Bottle)
Louis M. Martini 2014 — $49.00(Bottle)
Don Melchor 2012 — $171.00(Bottle)
Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Young Vine Napa 2013 — $152.00(Bottle)
ZD Napa Valley 2012 — $143.00(Bottle)
Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre 2012 — $65.00(Bottle)
Trefethen Estate Napa 2012 — $125.00(Bottle)
Paul Hobbs “Crossbarn” 2013 — $99.00(Bottle)
Paul Hobbs Napa 2012 — $198.00(Bottle)
Pepper Bridge Winery Walla Walla Valley 2013 — $149.00(Bottle)
Pine Ridge Napa Valley 2013 — $119.00(Bottle)
Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Napa 2011 — $300.00(Bottle)
Raymond Reserve Napa 2012 — $95.00(Bottle)
Simi Alexander Valley 2013 — $55.00(Bottle)
Simi Landslide 2012 — $80.00(Bottle)
St Clement 2012 — $82.00(Bottle)
St Supery Estate Napa 2013 — $67.00(Bottle)
Stags’ Leap Cellars Cask 23 2010 — $355.00(Bottle)
Stags’ Leap Cellars SLV 2011 — $299.00(Bottle)
Stag’s Leap Cellars Artemis 2013 — $138.00(Bottle)
Terra Valentine Estate 2013 — $99.00(Bottle)
BonAnno 2013 — $85.00(Bottle)
Clos Pegase 2012 — $114.00(Bottle)
Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley 2013 — $74.00(Bottle)
Freemark Abbey 2012 — $90.00(Bottle)
Chimney Rock Tomahawk 2012 — $303.00(Bottle)
Duckhorn “Decoy” 2014 — $58.00(Bottle)
Grgich Hills 2012 — $135.00(Bottle)
Hall Napa Valley 2013 — $129.00(Bottle)
Heitz Cellar 2011 — $119.00(Bottle)
Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace 2010 — $390.00(Bottle)
Dominus Napanook Vineyard 2012 — $148.00(Bottle)
Duckhorn 2012 — $159.00(Bottle)
Caymus 2014 — $175.00(Bottle)
Charles Krug 2013 — $65.00(Bottle)
Frog’s Leap 2013 — $113.00(Bottle)
Franciscan 2013 — $70.00(Bottle)
Jordan Alexander Valley 2012 — $115.00(Bottle)
Kathryn Hall Napa 2011 — $248.00(Bottle)
Mount Eden Vineyards Estate 2011 — $129.00(Bottle)
Mount Veeder 2013 — $20.00(Glass) $100.00(Bottle)
Nickel & Nickel Rutherford C.C. Ranch 2013 — $168.00(Bottle)
Joseph Carr 2012 — $53.00(Bottle)
BV Century Cellars 2013 — $10.00(Glass) $50.00(Bottle)
Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow 2008 — $450.00(Bottle)
Henschke Keyneton Estate Eden Valley 2012 — $123.00(Bottle)
Groth 2012 — $140.00(Bottle)
Far Niente 1.5L 2013 — $500.00(Magnum)
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2012 — $295.00(Bottle)
Santa Rita Medalla Real 2011 — $47.00(Bottle)
Cakebread 2013 — $186.00(Bottle)
Chateau Montelena Estate 2012 — $300.00(Bottle)
Buccella 1.5L 2012 — $650.00(Magnum)
BV Tapestry 2011 — $116.00(Bottle)
Araujo “Eisele Vineyard” 2010 — $450.00(Bottle)
Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard 2010 — $495.00(Bottle)
Quilceda Creek 2011 — $400.00(Bottle)
Harlan Estate 1.5L 2006 — $3600.00(Magnum)
Stag’s Leap Cellars Artemis 1.5L 2013 — $225.00(Magnum)
BonAnno 1.5L 2013 — $170.00(Magnum)
Shafer Hillside Select 1.5L 2011 — $900.00(Magnum)
Buccella “Mica” 2012 — $168.00(Bottle)
Atalon 2012 — $66.00(Bottle)
Ferrari Carano Reserve 2010 — $100.00(Bottle)
Dunn Napa Valley 2012 — $231.00(Bottle)
Lancaster Estate 2012 — $178.00(Bottle)
Roth Estate Alexander Valley 2013 — $63.00(Bottle)
Woodward “Artist Series” 2012 — $112.00(Bottle)
Checkerboard Vineyards 2011 — $561.00(Bottle)
Axios 2008 — $300.00(Bottle)
Spring Mountain 2010 — $199.00(Bottle)
Frank Family 2012 — $28.00(Glass) $140.00(Bottle)
Justin 2014 — $62.00(Bottle)
Chimney Rock Stags’ Leap District 3L 2012 —
Robert Mondavi 1.5L 2013 — $148.00(Magnum)
KaDieM 2009 — $260.00(Bottle)
Faust 1.5L 2012 — $290.00(Magnum)
Bond St. Eden 2010 — $750.00(Bottle)
Bond Pluribis 2010 — $750.00(Bottle)
Bond Quella 2011 — $750.00(Bottle)
Harlan Estate 2010 — $2100.00(Bottle)
Screaming Eagle Cabernet 2011 — $2500.00(Bottle)
Chappellet Signature 6L 2011 —
Robert Mondavi 2013 — $90.00(Bottle)
Far Niente 2013 — $251.00(Bottle)
Provenance Vineyards Diamond Mountain 2013 — $94.00(Bottle)
Brandlin Estate Cabernet 1.5L 2010 — $232.00(Magnum)
Brandlin Estate Cabernet 3L 2011 —
Simi Alexander Valley 1.5L 2013 — $110.00(Magnum)
Hall Napa Valley 1.5L 2012 — $245.00(Magnum)
Casa Piena 2008 — $275.00(Bottle)
Miner Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 — $206.00(Bottle)
Buccella 2012 — $360.00(Bottle)
Pasanau Priorat Finca La Planeta 2008 — $140.00(Bottle)
Melka “CJ” 2011 — $140.00(Bottle)
Caymus Special Select 1.5L 2012 — $700.00(Magnum)
Realm Cellars - Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard 2011 — $361.00(Bottle)
The Calling Rio Lago Vineyard 2012 — $84.00(Bottle)
Round Pond 1.5L 2013 — $275.00(Magnum)
Arrowood Sonoma County 2013 — $72.00(Bottle)
Mt. Brave Napa Valley 2012 — $168.00(Bottle)
Pahlmeyer “Jayson” 2014 — $130.00(Bottle)
Scarecrow 2012 — $475.00(Bottle)
Far Niente Cave Collection 2005 — $350.00(Bottle)
Faust 2013 — $65.00(Half Bottle)
Lewis Mason’s 1.5L 2013 — $300.00(Magnum)
Inglenook Cask 2012 — $203.00(Bottle)
The Vineyardist 2011 — $230.00(Bottle)
Seven Stones 2010 — $325.00(Bottle)
Kith & Kin by Round Pond 2013 — $125.00(Bottle)
Caymus 1.5L 2013 — $350.00(Magnum)
Caymus 3.0L 2013 —
Dana Estate “Helms Vineyard” 1.5L 2011 — $1700.00(Magnum)
Realm Cellars - Beckstoffer Dr. Crane 1.5L 2012 — $725.00(Magnum)
Faust 2012 — $139.00(Bottle)
Hess Collection Mount Veeder 2012 — $103.00(Bottle)
Mascot by Harlan 2009 — $50.00(Glass) $250.00(Bottle)
Frog’s Leap 1.5 L 2012 — $225.00(Magnum)
Raymond ‘Generations’ 2009 — $245.00(Bottle)
Ehlers Estate ‘One Twenty Over Eighty’ 2012 — $135.00(Bottle)
Inglenook Rubicon 1.5L 2010 — $620.00(Bottle)
Educated Guess 2014 — $57.00(Bottle)
Clos Dubreuil Grand Cru 2012 — $412.00(Bottle)
Scarecrow ‘M. Etain’ Tinman 2011 — $400.00(Bottle)
Groth 3L 2012 —
Bond Vecina 2010 — $750.00(Bottle)
Schrader Old Sparky ‘Max’ 2012 — $1200.00(Magnum)
Grgich Hills 1.5L 2012 — $256.00(Magnum)
Inglenook Rubicon 2010 — $310.00(Bottle)
Ramey Napa Valley Vineyard 2012 — $118.00(Bottle)
Benziger 2013 — $14.00(Glass) $70.00(Bottle)
Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard 2013 — $168.00(Bottle)
Heitz Martha’s Vineyard 2009 — $400.00(Bottle)
Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch 3L 2013 —
Screaming Eagle Cabernet 2012 — $2550.00(Bottle)
Charles Krug 6 Liter 2006 —
Bucella Cuvee Katrina Eileen 2009 — $515.00(Bottle)
Harris Estate Treva Vineyard 2010 — $300.00(Bottle)
Caymus Special Select 2009 — $300.00(Bottle)
Harlan ‘The Maiden’ 2011 — $500.00(Bottle)
Faust 3.0L 2013 —
Dana Hershey Vineyard 2011 — $850.00(Bottle)
Darioush Signature Cabernet 2013 — $215.00(Bottle)
Brandlin Mt. Veeder 2012 — $129.00(Bottle)
Hall Napa Valley 6L 2012 —
Chappellet “Pritchard Hill” 2012 — $450.00(Bottle)
Trujillo 2013 — $239.00(Bottle)
Dana Estate “Lotus Vineyard” 1.5L 2011 — $3000.00(Magnum)
Chateau Montelena Cabernet 2013 — $128.00(Bottle)
Mount Veeder 1.5L 2013 — $180.00(Magnum)
Bond Matriarch 2011 — $275.00(Bottle)
Bond Matriarch 2011 — $275.00(Bottle)
Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2012 — $450.00(Bottle)
Gemstone 2009 — $355.00(Bottle)
Kamen Cabernet 2010 — $171.00(Bottle)
Paul Hobbs “Crossbarn” 1.5L 2012 — $200.00(Magnum)
Staglin Estate Rutherford Hill 2011 — $325.00(Bottle)
Araujo “Eisele Vineyard” 1.5L 2009 — $2500.00(Magnum)
Whitehall Lane Napa Valley 1.5L 2011 — $214.00(Magnum)
Jordan Alexander Valley 1.5L 2010 — $330.00(Magnum)
Mayacamas 2009 — $228.00(Bottle)
Screaming Eagle Cabernet 2006 — $4000.00(Bottle)
Encosta by Gandona 2011 — $198.00(Bottle)
Dana Vineyards Lotus Cabernet 2011 — $850.00(Bottle)
Dana Vineyards Onda 2011 — $400.00(Bottle)
Dana Estate “Helms Vineyard” 2011 — $850.00(Bottle)
Spottswoode Estate 2011 — $350.00(Bottle)
Scarlett 2014 — $117.00(Bottle)
Frog’s Leap .375 2013 — $57.00(Half Bottle)
BV George De La Tour Private Reserve 2012 — $186.00(Bottle)
BV Beaulieu Vineyard 2013 — $65.00(Bottle)
Frog’s Leap 1.5L 2013 — $240.00(Magnum)
Dominus 1.5L 2011 — $965.00(Magnum)
Joseph Phelps 3L 2012 —
Harlan Estate 2009 — $1500.00(Bottle)
Bond Melbury 1.5L 2009 — $1200.00(Magnum)
Jordan 6L 2004 —
Frank Family - 1.5L 2013 — $280.00(Magnum)
Inglenook “Cask” 1.5L 2010 — $280.00(Magnum)
Nickel & Nickel Oakville Tench Vineyard 2013 — $209.00(Bottle)
Bond Quella 1.5L 2008 — $1200.00(Magnum)
Bond St. Eden 1.5L 2008 — $1200.00(Magnum)
Bond Vecina 2008 — $1200.00(Magnum)
Bond Pluribis 1.5L 2008 — $1200.00(Magnum)
Joseph Phelps Insignia 1.5L 2011 — $750.00(Magnum)
Robert Mondavi Reserve 2008 — $275.00(Bottle)
Charles Krug 2006 — $699.00(Imperial - 6L)
Harlan Estate 1.5L 2009 — $3000.00(Magnum)
Seps Estate Napa Valley 2005 — $185.00(Bottle)

Anything?

2

I don’t know what the Henschke is doing on a California list but it is certainly of interest to me.

A certain professor from Indiana might be inclined to agree with me.

3

What is your target price?

4

I know Nickel & Nickel gets little love from this board, but the 2013 Rutherford C.C. Ranch is a pretty tasty wine, and “underpriced” in steakhouse terms at $168.00 (release price is $110, and wine.com has it for $89, K&L for $99.

5

No real target price, Bill. I’d like to stay within spitting distance of $100, cause it’s not on my dime.

6

Mount Veeder or Terra Valentine

7

That list basically sucks from my perspective, and your palate is not that far off of mine.

Anything interesting in Zins?

With these crappy, formulaic steakhouse lists, if I do not BYOB, I try to find a nice Zin or just go with something basic and not be all geeky about it.

I’d prolly do the Heitz based on what I see. But I defer to A. So, as he sees something of interest, and his 86 points is your 94.

8

And Adrian managed to find the Aussie Shiraz listed among the Cab selections. If for no other reason, I’d be curious to order that wine.

9

hobbs crossbarn at $99
beautiful wine and ready to go

10

Hess Mt. Veeder,

11

good lord is that list young! I’m not one who enjoys young Cab. so I wouldn’t want to be in your position, but, if I were, then I’d aim for something from 2011, as I would expect wines from that vintage to maybe avoid many of the pitfalls I usually perceive with young Napa Cab.

Is Bdx. an option? For reasons unbeknownst to me, when I go to the website and click on “wine list” nothing happens.

12

I think anything is probably an option, but I’m drinking with people who aren’t really winos (there will be 4 of us, I think 1 other guy knows a bit about wine). I hate the entire website, I had problems too and it’s very hard to search.

13

Whatever you choose, make sure you call ahead and confirm it is in stock and at the price listed. I have had several occasions where I pre-selected a wine from the online list, only to find it was either a) not in stock, b) no longer on the “real” list, or c) offered at a different price than listed. Otherwise you may find yourself making a super fast selection in the moment.

14

Honestly, if I had to choose from that list I’d go with cocktails and beer. If forced to pick a bottle, the Henschke also jumped out at me (because it’s a nice wine, and because it’s different). Of the Cali cabs on that list, the Mayacamas is quite lovely, but double your price point.

15

What about Spain or Chile? You might get more bang for buck?

16

I think the Mt. Eden Estate Cab is the best choice factoring in price and quality.

17

Nothing wrong with this list - just standard.

In the hundred range, the Paul Hobbs Crossbarn is a good choice. For my money I would probably (and usually do) find a Zin or Syrah.

If set on cab, and you feel like stretching to $170, that 2010 Kamen is very good.

18

The Woodward Canyon Artist Series is a satisfying, balanced bottle of wine.
Too bad the whole list is priced at 3x retail or more, and is at least 3 years too young.
You might consider a Green & Red, or Seghesio Zin.

P Hickner

19

Mas de Daumas Gassac is pretty good

20

I almost recommended that, but decided it was going to show copious tannins, and not much else at this time.

P Hickner