The most underrated Napa wines, according to sommeliers

WINE TALK
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Good for Jill and Steve Matthiasson.

@Jill_Matthiasson

The most underrated Napa wines, according to sommeliers:

  • Corison
  • J. Davies Estate Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Matthiasson
  • Lokoya
  • Spottswoode’s Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chardonnay
  • Burgess Cellars Contadina Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Wines with lesser-known grapes
  • Enfield Wine Co. Watson Ranch Chardonnay
  • Maître de Chai ‘Gala Mountain’ 2021
  • Lamborn Family Vineyards
  • The Terraces Winery
  • Frog’s Leap Winery
  • Domaine Carneros
  • Zinfandel
  • Robert Biale Black Chicken
  • Trefethen Family Vineyards Eschol Red
  • Mt. Brave
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oops

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Lamborn has always been a favorite.

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Glad I looked before I posted the article! What sticks out to me is Lokoya. How can you be underrated at $450/bottle, with average scores at 97 points? I have a case of it I’m just waiting to sell at the right time.

As for the others, I’ve not had many of them. Which should I try first?

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Big Enfield fan here. John has a host of nice bottlings from Chard to Grenache to Cabernet.

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Wines from the list I’ve tried and liked:
Enfield chards are bright & lively, a real treat.
Matthiason- lively wines too.
Spottswoode SB- I’m a fan. More acid & grapefruit than a typical Napa SB, great food wine, imo.
Lokoya- nice cabs but pricey, i agree with you about questioning “underrated.” I’m going to guess this is more “unknown” to the Ave wine drinker in a restaurant. I like the Mount Veeder & Spring Mtn versions.
Frogs Leap- nice wines that are a relative value imo, but always difficult to order at restaurants because younger bottles need air.
Domaine Carneros- nice domestic sparklers if you don’t want to spring for a Champagne.
Biale Black Chicken- love this red Zin & the back story is fabulous.
Mt Brave- $80 Mt Veeder cab that drinks like a $200 modern styled NV Cab. Not for the AFWE.

JDavies Diamond Mtn & Trefethen- both are made in a harsher, heavily tannic style that I haven’t enjoyed. I’ve wondered what well aged versions taste like but never spent the $ to find out.

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“Zinfandel” I like the non- specificity of this pick. :grinning:

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But it’s so true. Most lists have a couple of the retail names, maybe a Ridge on them, when there is so much good Zin out there.

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enfield chards are indeed fantastic. the entry level citrine is no slouch either.

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That’s my favorite one and it’s their cheapest!

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Need to see the list of most overrated!!

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Agree with “Zinfandel”, in particular: Howell Mtn Zins are a house favorite (outpost and anything from Black Sears, esp. TRB made).

Not for everybody, with fruit and tannin profile some describe as cabernet sauvignon-like. I don’t even like the CS that are being referred to here, but when in the mood for a rich but structured red to go with pizza, burgers, paella, brisket, etc. these please me, my better half, and the crowd.

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That Maitre de Chai CS is a winner.

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Yes it is.

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Wine can be overrated or underrated, but can it ever just be rated?

If so, what are the most rated Napa wines? Montelena? Shafer? Phelps?

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Domaine Carneros makes no sense here? “If you dont want to spring for champagne”, most D-C costs more than decent Champagne?

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The Terraces is one of my favorites; surprised and pleased to see it on the list. Our visit was memorable.

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Rose and Tempranillo? On second thought

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No mention of the 2 KJ wines in on the list?

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Glad to see Zinfandel and Mt. Brave make the list. I know Zinfandel is not in the wheelhouse of a lot of wine drinkers, but it was one of my first loves with wine and that has not dissipated with time. There were a lot of wonderful Zin blends at an offline that was hosted by @Brian_Tuite last weekend, and Mt. Brave makes some great reds.

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