Those are solid restaurant go-tos for me. Frog’s Leap with age is one of the best values anywhere.
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Haven’t seen them mentioned yet, I was impressed with Maitre de Chai’s Napa Cabernet. A BD introduction to me this year, punches above its price point.
Realm, Dunn HM are two that quickly come to mind as always being “worth it.” Hoping Beta/Jasud falls into that camp as well when I finally open one.
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There are a few mentions of Forman above. I had this for the first time as a blind tasting of Napa cabs across a wide budget spectrum. I purchased and poured the wines, then had somebody else serve it as a double blind. Forman was the “high end” selection in the group. I pegged it as the most expensive out of 6 but also scored it as one of my two least favorites. Acidity and structure were the best but I experienced an overwhelming pyrazine/bell pepper note that made it unenjoyable for me. This was the 2016 bottling.
That is a long ramble to ask: is there a reputation for vegetal/pyrazine notes for this wine? Is there any cab franc blended in?
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Back vintage Dominus is way worth it, just seek out vintages that didn’t get high scores…1995 for example is affordable and tremendously good.
Cathy Corison’s Kronos Vineyard Cabernet.
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Price is inching up a little bit, but still a big Spottswoode buyer.
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Sherwin Family and William Cole.
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Agree with maitre de chai Cab. Very good. Their sauv blanc and zin are excellent as well!
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Bevan EE Tench
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Good call on Robert Craig. Poorly distributed on the east coast. Same with Turnbull.
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Quivet as well
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Vineyard 36 Black Aces and Five Bands are very good wines that drink better than their price point in my opinion.
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I’ve always been pleasantly surprised with the Cabs and Zins of Frog’s Leap.
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PSA, for those who’ve never tried it, there are 4 bottles of 2014 Roy Piper on Wine Bid currently at $120. I’d be all over that if I hadn’t already bought more this year.
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100% - the estate cab is a steal for the quality, and I love the minimal use of new oak. We had a 2008 last year that was the epitome of elegant Rutherford cab.
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Bevan EE Tench is 
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The Vineyardist is another premium wine that delivers. +1 on Greer as well!
Plot twist- @Ian_Dorin have you tried Kobayashi Syrah?
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Haven’t tried that one yet, will seek it out
Lewelling doesn’t get much buzz around here, but never disappoints - and a price that doesn’t hurt!
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Probably a slightly lower price point than some mentioned, but spottswoode, mayacamas and mt brave.
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I agree the vineyardist was great when i visited a few weeks ago!
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