I can’t think of anything the OP would want to drink less than the Rhone-styled wines from Paso given their stated preferences. I don’t think what they are looking for is “dirty fruit” or “barnyard” characteristics and instead more a NorCal Cab that shows off place and balance.
I would certainly agree with the recs of Togni and Spotteswoode, though those have gone up in price by a good bit in recent years. Heitz, Mayacamas, and Smith-Madrone certainly fit the bill imo
“Stretched” in what way? If they label it “Cabernet” and have at least 75% Cabernet in the bottle, it’s not any sort of stretch, at least as far as the legal requirements go.
If the above are in your wheelhouse, I have a selection of similar mid 80’s to early 90’s Napa/Sonoma Cabs (along with some additional older Bdx and misc.) that I was going to list later this year (after temps drop) on Commerce Corner. I had intended to ship to Wine Bid but decided they would be better appreciated within the group. If you are interested I could forward you the spreadsheet to take a look at. Again, I am in Northern California so shipping would be later (unless you are close by).
For sure and there’s always exceptions. But, as someone who drinks almost all of the same regions that the OP noted, Paso would be way down on the list of areas to recommend. It wouldn’t even be a consideration
Why would you say that, and say it in such a snarky way? He asked for “Any feedback”. I gave him mine.
One of the OP’s stated fav’s is N Rhone. To me, that’s mostly Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. Those varietals immediately make me think of Paso Robles, as well as Sonoma…… Especially with the white grapes. NOT NAPA. Hence my suggestion to look at the Paso Robles and/or Sonoma region.
For Burgs, I definitely do not think of Napa. I have not ever had a PN from Napa reminiscent of anything close to “old world” burgs. No barnyard notes, ever.
Cru Beaujolais? Once again, I’m thinking Rhone varieties, which leads my mind back to Paso more than Napa. Maybe Sonoma or Santa Barbara area, but not Napa.
Barbaresco? That makes me think Italian, or more specifically, Nebbiolo. Can’t really think if too many Nebbiolo vineyards in Napa. Sonoma, maybe a handful. Paso, plenty. Santa Barbara area, some. Napa, nope. I have a few Altamura Nebbiolo’s in my cellar, and enjoy them immensely, but they sure don’t remind me of “old world”, and technically, Altamura fruit is not in Napa.
After those, I’m now pondering what other wines might the OP like that comes from Napa, that might have an “old world” kinda sense of place…… I’m left with Bordeaux. I’ve tasted hundreds of red grape blends from Napa over the last couple decades. Not all that many bring visions of a first, second, or even third growth R/L bank Bordeaux to me. A handful, but not many. And even fewer at the OP’s stated price points. I offered a couple suggestions, regardless.
Mabey I gave some shitty feedback, but at least I was honest and tried to help – without being a damn wine snob.
Oh yeah, the question was asked two years ago as well……