Not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings who’s a winemaker here, but looking for some general feedback.
Had two wines last night that were really impressive, and were both worth it.
First was a 2018 Checkerboard Nash Creek. It was literally one smell and one sip and I was like “well that’s a $500 Cabernet”. Funny thing is that I had it in my head that it was a $300-$350 Cabernet, but was told that it was $475 a bottle. Still falls into the category of “worth it”, and if I were a richer man, I’d be buying a 3 pack every year.
Second was a 2018 Pott Incubo. This one I did know the price of, and was overly impressed. I was actually kicking myself a bit that I didn’t get on the bandwagon sooner. I’m a buyer. I also had some Greer recently that left the same impression.
So, which of the less obvious choices would you call “worth it”? I don’t think we need to discuss wines like MacDonald, Monte Bello, VHR, and so on, and frankly, would like to stick to Cabernet-based wines (could be Franc-based too since I generally love Napa Cab Franc). Just trying to educate myself. More looking for wines that people aren’t discussing widely.
7 Likes
Detert East Block.
I’m dumbfounded why it doesn’t get more attention.
11 Likes
It completely depends on individual preference (and budget), but the more expensive bottles that I think are worth it are Maybach Materium, Impensata Merlot, and probably Jasud, although I don’t know its actual release price and just had a barrel sample.
5 Likes
For me, Forman is at the top of the list, but I will admit part of the reason is that we have known Ric for a long time. I would add Mayacamas and Dunn HM to that list.
5 Likes
Not Napa but Mount Eden is a great wine.
6 Likes
I started the thread on Detert 
It’s only 150 case production too, so that doesn’t help.
I’ll seek out Jasud. Good tip.
I think these fall more in to the “obvious category” I was looking to avoid.
Not against non-Napa either, but I’ve been drinking this wine for over 2 decades now.
3 Likes
Not sure if Riverain or William & Mary are in the obvious camp (or not expensive enough?) for the thread. Both deliver that high end Napa cab experience but with balance and more moderate (relatively) pricing.
Rivers Marie cabs are also excellent at a less outrageous price point.
8 Likes
I don’t know Ric at all and I agree. The last Napa bottle that blew me away was a Stony Hill Cab (I know they’re known for whites) that seemed to straddle the old school/new school line very well…maybe a pinkie toe in the old school.
4 Likes
Honestly, not really. I’ve sold a decent amount of the wines, and always heard good things.
Adding to the list.
2 Likes
Definitely a W&M fan, and honestly, should really go back to buying them. Riverain is just a bit too much for my tastes.
Ironically, RM is a bit hit and miss for me. I honestly need to figure out which one suits my pallet best.
4 Likes
Virtually none >$200. Rapidly diminishing returns for me. I think far too often the high price just means higher production costs, not significantly better wine, especially in Napa.
10 Likes
If you like the Pott wines, check out Perliss. Pott winemaker and reasonable price point, plus Anthony is into experimenting a bit and the use of amphora and/or seawater is kinda cool.
Is Di Costanzo obvious since they get a lot of love here? They deserve it.
Far Mountain Fission (Sonoma … close enough) … really old mountain vines, no irrigation ever … I think it over delivers for the modest price point
Heimark … made by Francoise Peschon … one of my go to wines for something that wine people AND non wine people are both likely to enjoy
1 Like
Lots of good ones here I haven’t tried. Thank you!
For the Perliss wines, when did that experimenting start? I had some 2012s and 2013s that I thought were good, but nothing that knocked me out.
Erin and Massimo are amazing. Love their wines, and frankly, haven’t bought enough for home.
2 Likes
I love Vice Versa’s wines. JP is well known but people dont talk about backus enough. I think its under appreciated and one of the best sites in napa. Beta is fantastic as well and priced well. Jasud is going to be killer.
5 Likes
Drinkward Peschon cabernet, Dehlinger cabernet, Maybach Materium
2 Likes
We like Gamble Family - relatively restrained and usually come in right around 14% abv. Great SB as well.
The whole Chris carpenter portfolio is good - Mt Brave, restricted / La Jota, cardinale (often reasonable on secondary market).
1 Like