I’m looking for reccs on some good examples of Cali Cabs/bordeaux blends that did a better job resisting the big wine pull Parker and the 90s-00s. Dont have much experience with California’s wines short of new releases and want to see what some of these bottles are like with some age, but am generally not a fan of really “big” wines.
Monte Bello is a great choice. Apart from a few riper years in the 2010s, I think the Forman Cabernets are about as good as it gets for the classically styled wines. They are great expressions of California Cabernet. I also dig Spottswoode from the 1990s a lot. Chateau Montelena always rocks, as well.
Ridge (and not just the Monte Bello, can get the Estate)
Chateau Montelena
Togni
Dunn
Stony Hill
Mayacamas (does anyone know if this is still correct after the property was sold?)
Heitz
Thanks! I never woulda thought Frogs Leap. Never had it before (obviously) but I guess I always had it pegged for a fruit bomb wine.
I really appreciate all the advice everyone! Definitely need to search out some Ridge and Montelena with some age looks like. I think I may have a source of some back vintage Clos du Val and Heitz I’ll have to check out.
My absolute favorite Cabernet producer for so many years - Pete Minor was such a big part of what was so special about Napa Valley - who’s farming this land now? Are the Cabernet’s good? I loved Minor’s Blaufankisch, and remember when he started getting excited about this wine - how is it now?