When I was first starting the wine path some 20 years ago, these 3 producers were some of my go to makers of Cabernet. Granted, the prices are up 2.5-3 times what they sold for back then. But when I occasionly have a Cabernet from one of these 3, I always seem to enjoy them. They seldom get talked about here and I wondering if anyone drinks them with any regularity. Thanks.
Love Hess Allomi at $25, and have always liked Phelps Napa for the money although have not bought it for 4-5 vintages, but have always loved the style.
Visited Burgess in February to the rec’s of board members and was very impressed for the wine you could get for the money. Cabs were very nice with other reds pleasurable and not expensive. ($25-40) their higher end cabs were if I remember correctly $65-80? They had tons of library wines going back to 1986 that were fairly priced. We bought a 2000 for dinner that night for $90 and it was a winner
Yes, a lot;)
Older vintages are under-the-radar values for all three.
I still think that the Phelps Napa cab is a solid example of what a Napa Cab should be. The price has crept up over the years, but it has done so all across the valley it seems.
For the neighborhood they’re in, Burgess is a huge value, and still very traditional in style. Great value for the Merlot and Syrah off Howell Mtn as well.
I used to enjoy the basic Phelps a long time ago, but nowadays feels kind of costly for what it is - nice but not scarce.
I like Phelps cab, but do feel it’s pushing its ceiling at $60. Just 3 years ago, I could find it for $40-45 and it was a solid QPR purchase in that range.
When I was in grad school ('95-'00) and just getting into wine, the mid-'90s Phelps were an affordable special occasion purchase. I remember particularly liking the '95.
I wonder what poor grad students are drinking as special occasion cab these days…
I remember Phelps being $25 circa '95 vintage. I’d pick it up for $20 with a case discount. It’s just not a $60 wine in my book but roll on up to the winery and they’re lining up to buy this and Insignia by the case.
I think Hess and Burgess still offer decent value.
Yep, that’s the kind of pricing I remember. When $2 movie rentals were our typical weekend fun, a $25 bottle of wine was a rare treat.
In Ohio, Phelps and Hess Collection cabs for the 2012 vintage are priced at $90 & $65 respectively, no more Hess for me.
Totally agree, and remember those days, although never bought it more than a 1-2 at a time.
A friend who was on their mailing list once sold me some of their single vineyard efforts, which even at age 20 (to me), tasted way more firm/grippy than the basic commercial blend. Interesting, but an expensive data point, and not one to repeat.
I grab a few Burgess every year.