Merlin’s reds are solid too…went through two cases of his 2013 Bourgogne, one of the better Bourgognes I’ve ever had and quite superb for the vintage. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen his wines in WI for a few years now 
Rossignol-Trapet Chambertin for Rousseau Chambertin
Bouchard Meursault Perrieres for Coche Dury Meursault Perrieres
Ridge Monte Bello for any California cult wine
An obvious one, and I kick myself for not thinking of it earlier: Roulot Meursault Perrieres instead of Coche Dury Meursault …
It is a reasonable hypothesis based on the relative price inflation: the top end has spiraled in price, whilst lower priced wines have experienced progressively slower inflation. The distance between them has grown significantly.
Who knows, maybe those fancy wines were under-priced before, and now truly reflect the pleasure they bring? Like you, I don’t play in that space or anywhere near it.
I love this wine but it is certainly not a poor man’s tariff here in the US.
I wouldnt say that, as Ridge has gotten pricey too, but moreso that is is different than most cults, more restrained and classic. What I would say is that the Ridge Estate Cab is the poor person’s wine in lieu of the Monte Bello. Has a very similar signature at 1/3 the price.
Agree. Ridge Estate is considered “Baby Bello” by most, but the stylistic differences between Monte Bello and most cult cabs are substantial and I wouldn’t consider them close at all. Plus retail is $170 now (tgough futures are cheaper).
I find most expensive Napa Cabs I cannot pick out blind from one another, but the American Oak signature of Monte Bello is a dead giveaway.
WineHunting for exactly what one wants is easier than compromising. ![[wow.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/7/7d450e9830889c8943b674446a21b7254cad657e.gif "wow"){kind=small}
Yes, Mr. Agitator, and more expensive, and not the point of the thread. But your opinion is duly noted.
Not more expensive is my point. Being poor teaches skills.
Not sure what you mean?
Patient searching yields affordable pricing.
Patience is not easy for most.
Eh?
Cameron Clos Electrique is around $60 and could do well as a ringer in a tasting of Premier Cru Burgs of twice the price.
Mount Eden Cabernet could be your Ridge Monte Bello or Dominus type wine.
How patient do you have to be to find Marcel Juge for $14.99?
Speaking of which, what is the $14.99 Marcel Juge?
Or the $8.97 Jacky Truchot?
Loire and German Pinots are not the structure but are good buys.
Russell & Scott - a bit tongue in cheek. Given the price of CD village Meursault nowadays, Roulot’s best wine is a cheaper alternative. But both are WAAAYYY expensive 
The Roulot is more expensive than CD village.
Nearly a thousand bucks