WineLovers Discussion Group

Not counting the cult wines i.e. Screaming Eagle, etc. which California Cabs would consider the top tier of Cabs and Chards?

Which price range....?

$75 to $100.
$100 to $175.
Anything over $200.00 US!!!!!!!!!!

retail price - I would say above $50 but not to exceed $250

I'll throw out a couple nominations for CAB:

BV (Private Reserve)
Staglin
Diamond Creek.
Stag's Leap Cask 23

You will get tons of different opinions and the question is open ended. These are ones I usually eye as far as general production cabs.

Feel free to tear my nominations apart

Caymus is another althouygh I have yet to have a good bottle of Caymus.

Opus One is another that I have yet to try.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Fay, properly aged, rocked my world last weekend.

If you like "porty" rich Cabs, I might suggest Raymond Generations-especially the 1998.

Trefethan-their "Halo" was served at the infernal chamber (the White House) if you prefer a much more austere, less fruit-forward Cab.

Frank Family is pretty nice.

Merryvale Profile-another dry, austere Cab.

There's no CalCab I respect more than Ridge Montebello. I also like Togni.

Shafer Hillside Select has a huge rep, I liked the one I had, but can't afford.

If you're not insisting on technically being Cabs, Phelps Insignia and Dominus are candidates.

While historically I agree with idea of BV Georges de la Tour Reserve, you should be aware that systemic TCA issues damaged rep for at least 1997-2000 vintages. Which reminds me that Ch. Montelena would also be on many people's lists.

Stony Hill, Montelena, Hanzell, Kistler, Chalk Hill, Littorai, Mayacamas all have something to offer in the Chard department (vastly different styles).