Oh boy, that’s a long explanation. For cabs, the short answer is go with the one that stays Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. It’s widely distributed and decent in the $40 range.
So, three years ago when i started a very similar thread i was given some great wines to try. Here is the list that i compiled from that thread.
*Jones family the sisters. Today its about 70
Vineyard 29 CRU. 55
Saunter
The treat
*Round pond
Emerson brown
Gundlach Buncheu. Sp
Cakebread
Hovel
*Quivet estate
*Lewelling
*Rivers marie estate
- very much recomend
These were the more fruit forward wines. Ive now tried them all and while not all are in my cellar, i would certainly drink them again. But i am able to get my Caymus for about $55-$60 per and outside of the 2012 im pretty happy with that wine at that price.
Thanks all for the help. Now I have a lot of wines to buy and try and see what I like.
And of course, you are legally obligated to post notes and points, since we now all have a vested interest in seeing you fly like a bird, spend all your money, and be broke fools like us!
Will do. Give me a month or so and I’ll report my findings
you’ll always be a WLTV darling … ![[cheers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/0ff9bfcdb0964982cd3240b6159868fbdf215b1a.gif "cheers"){kind=small}
Picked up some to try this weekend. Had a list and couldn’t find all I wanted as I was in a hurry.
Oh and a friend at a restaurant sent over a bottle of Cabernet that was pretty good. I can’t remember the whole name. White label, something Insignia?
Well that’s quite the spectrum.
Yes it is. I’d like to find a cheap daily drinker, mid grade and one for special occasions.
Tell your friend next time to give you the insignia with the purple/reddish label
Nice spread. Interested in hearing your thoughts on that Hobbs’ CrossBarn. What year is the Conn Creek? Their 2010 did VERY well in our $25 Cab-Off a while back:
It was my first place wine by a hair over the overall winner 2009 Hagen’s Reserve.
Slight correction… El Nido and Clio are separate offerings at vastly different price ranges. El Nido is well north of $100. I have a case or more of various vintages of Clio and several bottles of El Nido, also in various vintages - I recommend both with regularity.
The Crossbarn I picked up is the Sonoma County. I haven’t tried the Napa yet.
The Conn Creek is a 2013.
The winery’s name is El Nido. They produce three wines Clio (Monastrell /Cabernet), Corteo (Syrah) and El Nido (Cabernet/Monastrell). Strange to have El Nido El Nido for a name, but hey, they didn’t ask me.
Looks like you’ve got your “work” cut out for you David. Enjoy!
I looked it up. Pricey wine. I don’t think he likes us that much lol.
The one we had was Coach Insignia
That’s good to know
I read link and saw where you had a $50 Cab Off. I would like the link if you have it.
Here ya go:
Within the Grateful Palate portfolio, there was a winery called Chateau Chateau and they made a wine called Chateau. The correct full name was Chateau Chateau Chateau.
David, have fun trying a lot of different producers. You can join Cellar Tracker for free if your cellar is small and keep track of your tasting notes and see others notes on the wines you’re interested in. Cellar Tracker is the best tool for finding out what others think of a wine you want to try. I’m very value conscious and have a traditional palate. Burgundy is by far my favorite region but, I both cellar and drink Cabs once or twice a month.
Here are a couple of my more below the radar favorites that have both an interesting story and deliver balanced, complex Cabernets at a sub $50 price.
2011 / 12 Mount Eden’s Domaine Eden Cab $35 from a great producer with Santa Cruz Mt fruit.
2012 Smith Madrone Cabernet - Up on Spring Mt- $45 from old vines
2013 Buehler Napa Valley Cabernet $18-$22