We’re of the same mind. Most Napa wine is too expensive. Give me something made in an old Napa style for a reasonable price and that’s about the only time I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. I’d add Smith Madrone to your list.
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Haven’t seen them mentioned, so will plug the Ramey Cabernets. The basic Napa Cab is a seriously solid wine for $60ish. The Annum and Pedregal are more expensive but not ruinously so, and fabulous wine.
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Agree, for me it has replaced a couple of board favorites mentioned in this thread.
Where do you think this all started??? 
If only I knew a guy that could get me on that list… 
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I’ve had more recent years, and don’t get as much enjoyment as I did from older vintages.
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It turns out there are a lot of good wines and even good values in Napa, despite how easy the region is to dismiss as overpriced oak milkshake vanity projects and all that.
As in all wine regions, knowledge is value. The more you know about the wines to buy, and which wines fit your palate, the better the value proposition.
I’m not saying all regions are equal in those respects, certainly not for any given person, but that statement is true to a degree everywhere.
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I figured this was a good place to ask for more opinions.
I’ve heard folks rave about Checkerboard, but frankly had no idea it was THAT good.
Kinsman Eades and Christopher Tynan are the largest % of my collection. The 2014 & 2015 Tynan cab and one of the syrah confirmed they’re worth it to me, though my limited space forces me to move on from many lists for diversity purposes Big +1 on Drinkward, and based on the Montecillo I opened, I’ll buy a few vintages of Beta so long as I keep getting offerings.
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Smith Madrone is at the top of my list.
A little more expensive, but Pride Cabs were always good - but I haven’t tasted any since the 2015 vintage but up to then it was always solid.
Recently had a bottle of Dakota Shy, and although it is a little north of $100 per bottle, it was excellent that night.
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Good call on Ramey, David. I particularly think their Pedregal is an outstanding wine.
Definitely agree on Turnbull‘s Black Label. I had a chance to taste their 2016 Pierra cab when I visited in September and it was also a fantastic wine. Whether or not it’s worth the significant up-charge over the Black Label is questionable, but it sure is good.
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You said “Napa Wines”…one of the best wines made in Napa…Mondavi I Block Fume Blanc! Well worth it imo!
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In a similar vein, Ramey Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay is from Napa. Price is creeping up now, but still probably worth it if you like the style.
Carlisle Petite Sirah from the Palisades Vineyard is well worth it.
Some great Napa wines and values you can still get although I don’t think they’re being made anymore are EMH Black Cat and Virage.
The reboot of Elyse with Russell Bevan as the winemaker (2018 vintage forward) is promising, though I’ve mostly saved the cabs to mature. The Napa Merlot they recently released was fantastic and great value (around $40?). Bright, red fruited, high acid, low oak, energetic.
Lastly, has anyone mentioned Dunn? Their wines are still pretty reasonably priced and have a great track record.
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Strongly agree here. Even as a Loire snob, that is a truly excellent wine.
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The one that hasn’t been mentioned yet is Bella Oaks.
Another +1 for Kinsman Eades, Vice Versa, and W&M.
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Agree w kinsman & VV and would toss in the value play that is EMH.
Forgot to mention Di Constanzo. Great wines at decent price points!
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EMH is no longer being produced. The vineyard was sold to Elusa where Thomas Rivers Brown is the winemaker. Their Cabernets are in the $150–175 price range.
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But i think you can still buy them, and may be able to in the coming year or more.
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Another vote for Di Costanzo.
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