Another Napa Valley Cabernet Wine

Another Napa Valley Cabernet Wine – Episode #580

November 18, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk tries a Cabernet from Napa and sees what he thinks of it!

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Comments on this episode(180) Leave a comment ›

“For an awesome napa cab between $20-40, try Truchard 2003-2005…” by Brian
“Just going through the archives GV and saw this episode. Well done. …” by John D.
View all 180 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Volta Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

If you interested in the joining the Volta mailing list

180 Responses

November 18, 2008

crank
I’m in, first?
November 18, 2008

waibeans
2nd?
November 18, 2008

Susan
I am so glad some of you can count………………………LOL!!!!!
November 18, 2008

Susan
Back to our regularly scheduled prgram……..
November 18, 2008

Susan
That would be program for some……….LOL!!!!!!!
November 18, 2008

Kristen
wow, I can be in the top 10 again!
November 18, 2008

manonthemoon
always hard to gauage these shows, just like visiting wineries

QOTD: None that I can remember, that’s why I don’t drink really napa cab
November 18, 2008

Ray Barnes
Very good episode…sometimes shorter is better, less is more. I would be glad to see a blind Napa cab tasting show.

I’ve been getting a little more into Gary’s book, it is very well researched. I really want to find that mourvedre-dominant $9 Spanish blend, that looks like a killer wine for the money. Gotta give GV his props here – I’m not always a big fan of his “Jersey” in-your-face style, but if you like wine bargain-hunting, this book is excellent.

QOTD – Have not had a $25-$50 Napa cab in recent memory.
November 18, 2008

Laurie in VT
whoa, that was a neat show. Inspired, even.

QOTD: I can’t remember having any cab sauv from Napa at all in that price range. Good excuse for some experimentation!
November 18, 2008

Sonnenuhr
QOTD Turnbull is one of the better recent values coming out of Napa. Also just had a couple of ‘99 Sterling bottles that I picked up on winebid.com for $30 – a pleasant surprise from a perennial underachiever.
November 18, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I had a 2004 Franciscan recently that was enjoyable. It probably would have been better after some breathing.
November 18, 2008

David K
Radool episode
November 18, 2008

BSal
Short and sweet. It was nice to see only one wine for a change. I just had a 2002 Worthy yesterday that was drinking well. Before that was a ‘01 Chimney Rock,a ‘99 Whithall lane, and the ‘04 Turnbull. I am always on the look out for good wine at reasonable prices. These all fit the bill.
November 18, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

I’m lovin’ these Napa cab shows.

QOTD: My favorite Napa cab in the $25-$50 range would probably be the 2005 Ghost Block Cabernet (slightly over the range at $56).

–RH
November 18, 2008

Lee W
To bad the wine makers of Volta were not on, I am sure liking the guests you are having on. I also orders the Volta and Date Night wine for the holidays.
November 18, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD….Kelham vineyards, Turnbull, Jordan and Clos du Val all winners in my book.
November 18, 2008

Glenn P
QOTD: Just enjoyed a Goosecross Napa Valley Cab from 2005- very nice chocolate and blueberry, boysenberry things going on- a little oak and interestingly some leatherish qualities. Good stuff for 49 bucks.
November 18, 2008

JudeMurphy
I’ve never had a Napa cab- hardly anyone sells them in Dublin!
I think I had a Sonoma cab but I must’ve had too much of it cos I can’t remember properly ; )
(No, but I do have a terrible problem with remembering the names of the wines I drink.)
November 18, 2008

Genghis Philip
Good episode! I love seeing how Mott has become more and more wine-minded as the show has progressed. There’s a paper somewhere in noting how much more integral he’s become to the actual show part of WLTV.

Keep it up, guys!
November 18, 2008

Murso
Hey! That’s NOT how you open a capsule!!!
November 18, 2008

cgatesman
Loved this episode, Gary. Not really sure why…just a little different, I guess.

QOTD: Napa cab used to be my favorite, but I’ve been kind of staying away from it, lately. I think it’s a combination of you getting me to try new things, and me wanting to keep them resting a little longer before popping.

The only one I had lately was 2002 Roche Winery Cabernet Sauvignon. Retail $36.
NOSE: Cherries and raspberry jam on the nose. There’s some chocolate in there as well.
TASTE: Cherry explosion that transitions to a smorgasbord of red and dark fruits. Finishes off with red apple skin and cinnamon.
November 18, 2008

Ben
QOTD:

For the napa cab that sells in that price range at my LWS, I recently liked the 2004 Fantesca Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain District. Nils and Kirk Venge have been winemakers since 2002 and just recently Heidi Peterson Barrett took over.

Hovers in price around $50, but was $39.99 on closeout.
November 18, 2008

hugh
QOTD: Just had a La Jota Howell Mtn 2002-excellent. But it was overshadowed by the 2001 Montelena Estate the next night. Best thing is i didnt pay for either!!!
November 18, 2008

Eliot
Nice episode!!!

QOTD: 2005 St.Clement
November 18, 2008

thecobalt9
I’m always a fan of the Heitz Napa Cabernet, just their standard entry-level Cab, just not sure if it is truly worth the price point seeing as how there’s better cabs for less from Chile and Bordeaux (hard to imagine, right?). and although it’s at the higher end of the price spectrum you gave, the Shelter Headwater cab is very nice at around $55 or so…

Man I wish Altamura was still in this range….

keep up the good work! looking forward to that Napa Blind tasting – those are always a blast – watching you crush silver oak lol!!

ROOT BEER EPISODE BROTHER!!! I SMELL #600……..
November 18, 2008

MattieJ
QOTD: Funny you should ask I really liked an 04 Beringer I tasted on my video blog a couple weeks ago.. One I didn’t like was the 05 Neal Family w/ organically grown grapes… It just didn’t cut it for me, especially for the price. This Sunday I think I’m going to do the 04 Trinchero…

MattieJ
November 18, 2008

M
QOTD: I’ve only had one and I bought it from you. It’s our only Wine Library wine. It’s the only Napa Cab in that price range I’ve ever had. 2003 Waypoint To Kalon Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. It was big. We let it breath for 2 hours but it probably needs 3+. We have more in storage. It’s aging comfortably.

I’m guess-timating that 90-95% of the wine I buy is $10-$20. The last 5-10% has been $20-$50. I don’t see spending $50-$100 any time my near future. But I’ll watch you taste wines out of my reach.

XOXO
November 18, 2008

Big D
A blind Napa Cab tasting would be great!

QOTD: I visited Napa recently and stopped at Meander for a tasting. She has some great cabs. The 2004 came in at just under $50 and it was delicious. The 2005 was great as well but I had it shipped so the price per bottle jumped to over $60. I think there was a price increase in there too.
November 18, 2008

Zinfreak
Gary, I LOVE the short one-wine format!

Keep the Napa theme going and review the “BANKNOTE Napa Valley Red Blend”.

QOTD: Modus Operandi makes a great Napa Cab. Jason Moore the winemaker is also a great guy.
November 18, 2008

JonE
Oh how I love the culty mailing list napa cab projects that grow like mushrooms every year, sprouting to and fro’ from many a young eager beaver with lots of money and little time. Under 500 cases, over $60 bucks, hipster label, dark fruit dark fruit dark fruit??? No Oreos are ever completely the same right

QOTD: Recently Melka CJ, and Lail Blueprint. I’m a big Phillipe fan.
November 18, 2008

Paryb
Nice chill show Gary.

QOTD: Man havent had a napa cab in a while….so I don’t really know…weird.
November 18, 2008

Pete G
Aw Oh! Another blind cab tasting? Let’s not forget how the last one ended.

QOTD: On the lower end Santa Rita Medalla Real ($18) as good as Don Melchor
for 1/3 the price. Higher end, 2003 Mondavi Oakville ($45) – classic
Napa cab just oozing with juice.
November 18, 2008

lake boy
trefethen and Mondavi Oakville
November 18, 2008

sam
Cool!
A blind tasting would be fun…it’s been a while.
November 18, 2008

AbsolutLahmi
I really enjoy these single bottle shows with more nuance. and DEFINITELY a little change of pace / feel from yesterday’s show.

QOTD: Have not had a napa cab that fits the category for the longest time. I’ve been more into the off-the wall european values lately..
November 18, 2008

gotsha
QOTD…Gary v turned me on to Turnbull ‘04 Cab (thank you). I’ve had the ‘05 Turnbull which was very good as well. Another good Napa Cab in that range is Terra Valentine. I’ve had both the 2004 and 2005 and was pleasantly surprised with both. I think I liked Terra’s ‘05 a little better than the ‘04.
November 18, 2008

Susan
Gary & Chris, Lately you have been trying new things and mixing it up with the WLTV eps………………………..I must say, it is SUPERB!!!!! KEEP up the FANTASTIC work……actually would love more eps like this one!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 18, 2008

Derek F.
WOW a 93 point Napa Cab, very interesting Mr. V.
I must also say that we have missed you in are Twitter family lately Gary…come on man twitter us UP damn it!!

QOTD: Castle Rock 2005
November 18, 2008

mike z
qotd: 2005 joseph phelps and 2004 clos du bois briarcrest
November 18, 2008

Grasshopper
Sensei,

It is Grasshopper back from almost a year of wandering the land soul searching…Not really but has been a tough year and I have not had time or energy past drinking wine.

I have been following your progress and I am still big fan and glad to see that you have not lost your way!…or edge…:)

QOTD – I have to agree with Sonnenhur, Turnbull is one of our favorites that is still reasonably priced for great Napa Cab.

Hopper
November 18, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: Not Napa, but I love Wellington (Sonoma).
November 18, 2008

cellar rat
2005 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis – $40 bones at winelibrary.com – solid wine and great cellar crew.

GO Titans!
November 18, 2008

billyg
I really enjoyed a Larkmead 2004. Just a classic Napa Cab at $50.
November 18, 2008

Deano
Gary great episode the wine sounds awesome and so do the guys you mentioned.

QOTD:
-I think it was an 2004 st clement cab
November 18, 2008

Brooklyn Paul
Great show GV. Always love the Napa Cab Eps. May have to give this Volta a try.

QOTD: Lot of decent Napa Cabs between $25-$50. My faves are Chappellet Signature Cab, Seavey Caravina and Robert Craig Affinity
November 18, 2008

horn.179
Nice show, though I have to admit I like at least a 2 wine format (5 tops). I do enjoy the detail about the wines though. I think it would be neat to see what it’s like when you have a distributing company come into your store to try and convince you to carry wines!!!

QOTD: Haven’t had one, and don’t anticipate having one for a good amount of time into the future…
November 18, 2008

Dr T in NC
QOTD Haven’t had any recent-release Napa cabs, so I can’t play today!
November 18, 2008

Susan
Sorry Gary, I just don’t like making comments……………… LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 18, 2008

Rick D
Wow a 93 point on pop and pour. How about letting it breathe for a couple of hours and re-evaluating? you could add an addendum to this show.

QOTD: Haven’t been drinking many Cabs, I’ve been on a European wine adventure. Best I had in the last year is Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
which was $35. I have enjoyed some Washington Cabs that tend to offer a better value than Cali.

Hey, is that Mott or have you replaced him with a clone that is beginning to like big bold wines?
November 18, 2008

NJ-Vettester
QOTD: None – can’t afford any in today’s climate.
November 18, 2008

marco
Great to get the inside scoop on how the business runs. It is interesting how one’s perception of the winemaker affects how one perceives the wine. Really enjoyed the last couple of episodes…and caught up on some old episodes too–the two-part interview with Randall Grahm was fantastic. Brilliant guy with great insights and instincts in terms of wine and the industry.

QOTD: Shafer Cab is about the best I’ve had in that $50 price range. It was fairly easy to find about year ago but has since dried up and become impossible to find. Thought it was a great wine and that price.
November 18, 2008

Jim
Try the 2005 Revenant Cabernet @$35.00 and if you like it; well I tasted the 2006 out of the barrel and it will knock your socks off!
November 18, 2008

jfletch
Twenty Rows Cab was great…gotta let decant for at least 2 hours though
November 18, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Haven’t been in the Napa cabs lately, been exploring the napa old vines zinfandel.
November 18, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD= 2005 Honig is good stuff and not too hard to find
November 18, 2008

Leftcoast
QOTD- PRIME Cellars of course. $39. Check out other wines from the Southern part of Napa called Coombsville. Its going to be the next Oakville (thanks to global warming!)
November 18, 2008

Cameron W
Cool show.

QOTD: You know, I think I hit 50 and above and 25 and below, but very little in between. Strange. Can’t think of one.
November 18, 2008

Patrick E
QOTD: Meyer, V. Sattui and Cliff Lede Cabernets.

Blind Tasting is a great idea. Bag em up.
November 18, 2008

Doug
QOTD: Buehler…
~$22 on deep discount
November 18, 2008

Dominus
Very nice show. I rank this type of platform right behind the same varietal/different region type of show.

QOTD: I like the second bottling of Joseph Phelps called Innisfree that comes in around 25 bones. I actually like it better than their Insignia which is too big for me. I wish WLTV carried it. Hint, hint.

Cheers!

P.S. Welcome back Hopper!
November 18, 2008

Eric Nolleau (aka E dog)
Hey Gary,

I like the idea of the show, it’s like going behind the scenes of WL.

QOTD: I don’t really get napa valley cabs in this part of the world.

PS: If jets keep winning, you’ll be competing with Everett for the best beard!
November 18, 2008

stan
Thank you! A real pleasure meeting you today.
November 18, 2008

KenP
I don’t drink Napa cabs. Burned out, brother GV.
November 18, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Orroppas, Reguschi, Chappellet, Turnbull……
November 18, 2008

NY Pete
Enjoyed the show … OUR Jets will kick some titan a$$ this weekend … QOTD …Turnbull …Chappellet Signature … Milat … Textbook … and for QPR, Buehler and Slingshot.
November 18, 2008

ev
Salvestrin @ $46.
November 18, 2008

ev
Forgot to say, Napa Cabs bore the hell out of me. I can’t believe anyone would buy these way overpriced wines except unknowledgable wino wannabees with cash to throw away.
November 18, 2008

Christopher Golda
2005 Cliff Lede Stag’s Leap Cab

92 RP; Retails for $50, not sure why they list it as $65:
http://cliffledevineyards.com/wines/view_wine/13
November 18, 2008

Christopher Golda
My bad on the link — here’s one for WL (didn’t realize you had it):
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=37593
November 18, 2008

Slushpuppy
You the man.
Smell it first.
November 18, 2008

DrewM
Nice show…although I love the ‘05 Bordeaux as well as Portugal and Spain, I like going back to my roots…California Cabs were the first I ever tried.

Right now, I like what’s coming out of Bell Winery and Neal Vineyards in Napa.
November 18, 2008

Steve Lau
We may not know how to spell Laube but we know how to spell Vaynerchuk!
Wow. What a day for us. Thank you.
Steve
November 18, 2008

Murso
Vinum Slow Lane – greatly underrated. Terra Valentine. A.S. Kiken (blend)/ Reverie. Sequum.
November 18, 2008

Patrick SF
I like the streamlined format and how you give insights into your approach to wine buying. Don’t think I’d ever have a chance to try this wine, but it is good to have a point of reference as I search for QPR.
QOTD: Twenty Bench Napa Cab 2006 by the same wine maker behind the 1997 Regusci Cab which I rank as one of my favorite wines, and also the winery I went to on my 30th birthday. I think it’s about $17 which is a screaming deal.
November 18, 2008

DC Devil
2004 Mondavi Oakville. Delicious Napa Cab for 35 bones. Almost as good as the Mondavi reserve, at 1/3 the price.
November 18, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – none recently. A little to expensive for me (at least for the last two shows)… fun to watch, though.
November 18, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
Thanks for another good show. I generally prefer when you taste more wines, but I liked the idea behind this show. If Chris Mott keeps tasting so many of the wines you taste on the show, he might develop a better palate than a lot of consumers out there.
qotd: I haven’t been drinking any Napa Cab Sauv lately, and none of the ones I’ve had at tastings have been imressive enough (at least as far as QPR — none have impressed me under $50 retail) to mention. It’s sad for me, but at least WA is pumping out a lot of good to outstanding stuff. I hope the cult wine phenomenon doesn’t hit them like it has Napa.
November 18, 2008

David R
Raymond Reserve ‘05 Cab. Not the most complex or compelling wine I’ve ever had, but man, it’s like drinking liquid silk.
November 18, 2008

Eliot (in the Lou)
QOTD – Robert Sinskey Vandal Vineyard Cab. $45. Very true to the terroir. Just delicious.
November 18, 2008

Bill Carter
QOTD. Cliff Lede 2004 Cab. Stopped me in my tracks! Got it for around $42.
November 18, 2008

sharon
It’s been so long I don’t remember. Stags Leap? Silver Oak? Sterling?
November 18, 2008

ScottEJ
G…Thanks for the list. I sure do wish these *start up* wineries could get their head out of the clouds though. I’m all about small production, hand-crafted wines…but, the prices are just too much for these pups to be asking. However, if people buy it, I guess it proves me wrong.

QOTD: Buehler, Milat, Raymond. I did have a Darioush recently that was, although nice and big, still left me thinking…How is this worth 4 times something from Chile and/or some from Washington? The differences are minute, but the price tags are not.
November 18, 2008

William Rascal
Sounds delicious. I love cab. Great show.
November 18, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: I’ve tried but I just don’t seem to get excited about Napa cab at all. If this makes any sense, I prefer my wines to be lithe and a little bit racy. Pretty much every Napa cab I can remember has been the opposite of this.
November 18, 2008

A dumb Rhine king
Good episode. It’s awesome how honest you are; it builds trust.

QOTD: I don’t believe I’ve ever had a Napa cab over $25, I’m a $9-$15 kinda guy. I’ll have to see if I can find something one of the other viewers are recommending. It might be hard though living just outside the burbs of Mpls, MN.
November 18, 2008

ncwinetravels
gary,

good show…i like the one-wine focus.

QOTD -” Provenance” 2003 cab. from Napa.
Best Regards,
NCWT
November 18, 2008

Marco
Gary, Your audible call on the program must have thrown Mott off…….@ 7:39 in to the show he missed the 85 reference. Has he lost his edge with all the tasting?

Thanks for bring laughs and thunder to the wine world.
November 18, 2008

torquey
QOTD: 2005 Turnbull – not too shabby at all.
November 18, 2008

Christo
Gary Your show rocks! I signed up to both from yesterday and today! I love cabs! I am an advocate for Vine Cliff Cabs! They are truly amazing! Unlike most of the valley floor in Napa they grow there wine on a hill that has lava rocks! The tannins and taste is unlike any other!
November 18, 2008

Tofferotti
Napa Cabs are overpriced and overrated in general. Had a 2004 Cakebread tonight. Good but nothing special. Glad I didn’t pay. I do like Chappellet for the QPR but I go for Bordeaux for the real essence of those wines. I do like some of the California Bordeaux blends though. Verite is my favorite. Should be good for that much money though.
November 18, 2008

SurfCityJay
Another great show… bring on the BLIND NAPA CAB tasting… can’t WAIT…

QOTD: For my palate, the ‘04 or ‘05 Turnbull at under $40 is awesome!
November 18, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: There’s Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet, and the Turnbull Cabernet – it’s hard to find Napa Valley cabs under $50.00.

You collected some nice shirts while I was gone.
November 18, 2008

steve
Our spelling may not be great but we know how to spell Vaynerchuk.
Wow. What an amazing day for us. Thank you so much.
November 18, 2008

Brad G
QOTD: Now I know I’m getting a discount, but Pina cab brings the thunder.
November 18, 2008

Hawaiian Vayniac
QOTD: 2005 Frank Family Vineyards/2003 Hewitt Family were the last $24-$50 Napa Cabs I ienjoyed
November 18, 2008

Jimmy T
QOTD: High rollin’ P-diddy. None.
November 18, 2008

Yvettew
I loved this way of doing the show. Great idea! Awesome show
November 18, 2008

MBG
In Napa, Chappellet and Turnbull bring the thunder for the $$$$. Also, Sebastiani Secolo for a blend.

I prefer Washington St Cabs in the $25-$50 range. J Bookwalter, Fidelitas, Tamarack, Andrew Will, Owen Roe etc.
November 18, 2008

Jordan
Bring on the Napa blind tasting! I am waiting for that one.
QOTD: I was a cellar club member at Sterling for a while so I have numerous bottles of those around. I like them but quite honestly I haven’t had a Cab in a while. I have been trying to expand my wine drinking into the white world because I never really drank them all that much up until the last few months. I just remembered that I tasted one the other day out in Temecula after the Thunder show reminded me that I live only an hour away. Not a huge fan of the area though.
November 18, 2008

bill wrollcia
gv,
Dont forget to add the “Whether they like it or not” cause really dont we wanna ruffle some feathers?

qotd? Really i am an amateur when it comes to these wines, its ok, a real man accepts when he is not at the top off his game.

P.S Go big blue, and i am totally pulling for the jets to kick the crap out of those titans!!!!!!!!
November 18, 2008

Harry
Loved the Aum Cellars 2005 Cab (St. Helena). Check out my video review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB3KT5qPzb0
Pete Hoffmann is a great winemaker, who is putting his 20 years of organic farming of grapes all over California into the bottle. Only 200 cases made, and under 100 left. Sells for around $38-40, but mention Harry Reisig (me) and he’ll hook you up with a discount. A steal for a 92 WS, plus its all organic and bio-dynamic.
November 18, 2008

Keith
Never had a Napa Cab, they seem way too overpriced. Had a pretty good Meritage for about $10, one of those Cameron Hughes mystery lots. They always seem to bring the thunder for the price.
November 18, 2008

Harry
Also, be sure to check out part II of the Aum Cellars review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtF_hZRs-Rc

I think you’ll love this wine – great for a blind Napa tasting. The acid keeps it in check for long term aging potential.
November 19, 2008

Dane Campbell
QOTD – · Terra Valentine, Napa Cabernet i brought it when my friends and i had a napa cab tasting and i thought it was great
November 19, 2008

8bitVintner
QOTD: Cafaro and Ladera come to mind. Both extremely well made and value driven for the quality.
November 19, 2008

catherine
i’m liking the scruffy look on you gv.
November 19, 2008

rimarfish
Yeah, i want that Napa Cabs blind tasting show!!
QOTD: i don’t drink Napa Cabs, too expensive. I used to before, some Chappellets and Turnbulls, but lately, domestic cabs, i go with Washington.
November 19, 2008

Weston
I know with dealing with wine reps the ones that I liked is the wine I tried to push to buy for the restaurant the rep I didnt like I would only buy if they had a great wine and it was great hah
November 19, 2008

Withnail
Good show. Change of pace is good (esp. when you are busy!)
November 19, 2008

J Crazy
I’m gonna have to go with 2005 Turnbull.
I also love Bighorn Cellars McFadden Vineyard Cab AWESOME!!
November 19, 2008

Yimosan
I’ve been into Argentinian Malbecs and Chilean cabs lately, can’t beat the price…however, I really like the fruit forwardness that you get from the Napa wines.

QOTD – These are some Napa Cabs I’ve had recently, Joseph Phelps Innisfree, Mondavi Oakville 04, & Peter Murphy 03.
November 19, 2008

Thomas Horgan
Go Jets. I’m in OZ so the wines are irrelevant from a buying point of view. But I’m always learning how to taste and be entertained at the same time.
November 19, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
QOTD: Peter Franus. (Cab w/ a healthy splash of Cab Franc)!
November 19, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: EASY- 2003 Richard Perry Cabernet, Combsville. Fantastic.
November 19, 2008

california cab lover
Frog’s Leap, Bell, and Sterling come to mind at the price point.
I am also tired of the high prices and am branching out to find better QPR.
November 19, 2008

Nick
05 Robert Goyette
November 19, 2008

BobbyTiger
Cabs tend to be outside my price point, but in the $10.00 range I like the Columbia Crest Grand Estate, and for $20 the Sterling Cab.
The shorter videos are nice for a change.
November 19, 2008

DAve A
good show. Just a single wine? seems drawn out session… you could have done at least two wines in the time given. good show, Gary! you rock.
November 19, 2008

late-start
I liked the episode; showed an insight into a different aspect of the wine world.

QOTD: Frog’s Leap , really enjoyed the Meadowlark this year and think Justin ($20) is a good buy.

How about some more blind tastings (ie cabs from different parts of the world or different wineries of the same region)
November 19, 2008

italianwinelover
Yes Yes!! To the Napa blind tastings! I alway love those eps!

QOTD: 2006 Elizabeth Spencer even better 2004 Elizabeth Spencer Mt Veeder!

love the fuzzy face!
November 19, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: The Waypoint Dr. Crane Vineyard. Always love a Blind tasting. Napa Cabs would be great, being I will be visiting the area very soon.
November 19, 2008

JLed
QOTD… 2005 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Jets are doing GREAT! Brett has to be happy he does not have to go to Dallas to play!
November 19, 2008

Andy
QOTD— Heitz Cab has been good in the past about $ 50 … Usually good fruit and well made.
November 19, 2008

Glen,....winecrazy.com
Nice…. think I’ll check out a 3 pack.

QOTD: Anderson Valley

2nd Q2U: How was your birthday? And what did you get?
November 19, 2008

Anthony G
Franciscan///always a great buy…try the magnificat
November 19, 2008

Vinovanwilt
The 2004 Hall Cabernet
November 19, 2008

DF
QOTD: Livingston Moffett “Stanley’s Selection” `04 Napa at Bin 54, Chapel Hill NC

No tasting notes, but it brought back excellent memories, which is what a good wine should do.
November 19, 2008

henry trout
i agree the 04 hall cab is fantastic. we were serving it by the glass and blew through five cases in no time. and i know its a blend but the prisoner by orin swift can’t get enough. love the show
November 19, 2008

Rob
QOTD: Robert Keenan, Ramian Estate
November 19, 2008

Rory
QOTD: I really liked the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. its on the top end of the price range and out of my league for a regular purchase so cheaper suggestions would be appreciated!
November 19, 2008

Carly L
Nice show. Short and simple (perfect for a break from my horrible schedule…*sigh*).

QOTD: $20-25 is too pricey for my budget! I rarely buy a wine that is more than $15 I haven’t tried any Napa Cabs yet. Waiting until I have a steady paycheck (or until I visit Napa!).
November 19, 2008

RichE
GV great show.

QOTD:
Had some really good $26ish Cabernet
from Terra Valentine, Napa Spring Mountain
November 19, 2008

CaseyLee
damn i wish that wine wasnt so much. it sounds soo great to me. it looks great too. great bottle. and 15% ill take it. thanks
November 19, 2008

Susan
Gary & Chris, QOTD: Only one recently: ‘04 Match Butterdragon Cab. – one word=fabulous!!!!!
November 19, 2008

Susan
Gary – LOVE the fuzzy face!!!!!!!!!!!
November 19, 2008

Timinspokane
Interesting show and another “big boy” wine! I too love the blind tastings. They are always interesting and sort of like a cliff-hanger episode. You just can’t wait to see what the wines were! (Unless, of course, you scroll down the page before you watch the show….)

QOTD – The last Napa cab I had was last night, which was a Stags Leap Wine Cellars 2004 Fay Vineyard cab sav. As has my experience been with every freakin’ bottle of Stags Leap I have had in the last year (we drunkenly joined their wine club at the winery a few years back and stayed members for a few years, without drinking any of the reds – only a few whites – and now regret blowing stupid sums of cash!), it wasn’t very good and cost way the hell too much! This wine was fairly bitter/sour, tannic, had no obvious sense of place, and as such, drank as a cheap tannic cab! The only problem… I think it was about an $80 wine. I could get the same flavor profile from some cheap imports in the $8 range and feel a whole lot better about it. Heck – I could buy a $10 bottle of Columbia Crest Grand Estates cab and enjoy it more!

Other than that, we had a nice V. Sattui Napa cab a few months back – don’t remember the vineyard (I think it was a girls name – Suzanne’s Vineyard?? rings a bell), and it was a 2002 as I recall. It was pretty tasty and probably only $40 or so. It had a nice secondary tier of caramel starting to show up from the aging on the wine. Nice stuff!

Cheers!
November 19, 2008

Cole Marcusson
I, Too, think there is room for the $45 dollar cabs in this world that taste like a $60. Revenant 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon comes to mind, a wine we recently that took us back a few years re its style, complexity and finish. And the bottle lasts forever when left open.
November 19, 2008

Mike
QOTD: Beringer 2001 Napa Valley Cab…42 bones!!!
November 19, 2008

Brian Barrick
QOTD: 2005 Provenance Rutherford ($30) is the best Napa Cab I’ve tried recently. I’m also a Turnbull fan (still have some ‘99 in the cellar).

For great value-driven Cab I generally head over to Alexander Valley, where the wines are often better than their Napa equivalents at much lower price points. I recently tried a Pellegrini 2005 Cloverdale Ranch that blew me away, and it sells for under $30.
November 19, 2008

lumpyatst
Another vote for 2005 Provenance – had at Ruth’s Chris steakhouse
November 19, 2008

Redmeat
QOTD….if I go Californian(which I don’t much….as we have such great local Cabernets here in Washington) I Like Justin…the first Vintage I had was 1995 and have never been let down by it before…
November 19, 2008

NC Carl
K Vitners Ovide, Yum.
November 19, 2008

Murso
Pop & pour is how a wine SHOULD perform! While decanting may arguably benefit some lesser wines, it is truely and optimally employed for pedigree wines such as Grand Cru Burgs. and classified growth Bordeaux of say, 10 years’ or more age. I’m sure other wines fit this criterion, but garden variety, esp. new world wines aren’t among them. A good glass (THIS is important), and a good swirl ought to be enough.

No doubt, minions out there are pouring their $10 wine into empty Paul Masson carafes, and hey – it’s their wine to do as they wish with. But really now – all the new world for several decades now, has been about having the wine come to you, rare, pricy jewels like the ultra tight Diamond Creek Cabs being the exception which might need a little coaxing out of the bottle.

It is widely known that the way to make a small fortune in wine is to start with a large fortune, and the people like Volta and Phifer Pavitt, regardless of performance, will have no problem selling out their miniscule productons. It is the first year for each, they have garnered some attention (we thank winelibrarytv for sharing with us), and despite varied approaches,(while P.P. wine is made from Pope Valley fruit, they are most likely trumped by Howell Mountain fruit in Volta) should see success,growth, and maturity in the coming years. Good luck to them, and we can only hope that for our wallet’s sake, their prices don’t skyrocket, as may be predicted.
November 19, 2008

Stuart
No value at $60?

Watching back to back from yesterday and respect was shown to the guest claiming “value” at 75 bones for napa cab.. I think the “no value at” was what you wanted to say yesterday too..
November 19, 2008

Sharon
QOTD: None, I don’t like Cabernet all that much
November 19, 2008

Ilse
Totally agree with what Murso has written down : pop and pour is by far the most common way to drink wine by the majority of us “normal folks”. Murso also put it perfectly how “smart” wineries start nowadays…I guess a blind tasting (I’ve just seen that this was today’s show) will show where the wine comes first and at what price point this can be obtained.

QOTD : not a Cab fan really, and especially not at these prices!!!
November 19, 2008

Edeath
Nothing wrong with popping and pouring. Just be sure to use the worlds most wonderful wine gadget ever … the Vinturi !
November 19, 2008

Dan-o
Quickie show!
QOTD – Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa – I have the 2002 and 2003 vintages in my cellar.
November 20, 2008

BrewCitySeamus
QOTD: 2001 Atalon from Napa
November 20, 2008

wayno da wino
Most all of the Cabs (the few that I drink) are Sonoma County Critters……
November 20, 2008

pawncop
Enjoyed the episode. Appreciate your efforts to educate.

QOTD -None not there yet.
November 20, 2008

Karl B
Gary,

it is “few and far between”.

Still luv ya,
Karl B.
November 20, 2008

Steve
Smith-Madrone Napa (Spring Mountain) cab is awesome!
November 20, 2008

Steve
Wow. Thanks for all the orders and mailing list sign ups!! We’re blown away by the response. Email us or call us anytime if you have any questions or are in the area. We’d love to meet you. Many thanks from both of us.
Steve and Stan
707 889 4576
voltawine.com
November 20, 2008

MattUD
Nice short and sweet. Love it that way, especially inbetween some longer shows.
November 21, 2008

Christo
Purchased a bottle and spoke to Stan from Volta, and Gary as always is spot on. Stan was a pleasure to talk to and cant wait for his wine to come in the mail! $60 bones is not that bad when some of us spend a lot more when we go out to dinner and buy something we could find in the store for 15 or 25 dollar price range! Great show Gary! and Stan and Volta best of luck hope all goes well!
November 21, 2008

Mike B
Great show Gary.
2 wines come to mind – Faust (Quintessa’s little brother) for about $45 is awesome. And Peju.
November 21, 2008

Andrew D
Andrew

QOTD: none … can tell you a heap of good Connawarra/Yarra Valley/Clare Valley Cab at that price point though

Andrew
November 21, 2008

Rob R
Beau Vigne Juliet 2005. By far my favorite Cab, but it is $55. Worth the price every day and twice on saturday. Dave Phinney is the bomb yo!
November 21, 2008

Greg
QOTD: Tough to find under $50 but a few exist:

2004 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
2005 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Oakville
November 21, 2008

danseng
QOTD: Judd’s Hill and Paradigm (if you can find it on sale) for under $50 Napa Cabs.
November 21, 2008

Christophe
QOTD: Tudal and of course Titus
November 21, 2008

dhonig
2002 Honig Cabernet Sauvignon
November 21, 2008

Robert
A favorite Napa Cab of mine is 2005 Cuvaison Cabernet
November 21, 2008

Craig G
I am sorry I have to up the price a bit, but the Match Cab 2002, I believe it was the 02′. Anyway, fantastic wine. So damn good. It was $63.00 at WL about two years ago.
November 21, 2008

Brian
Great show and enjoy the Napa focus. Always my first love. QOTD, any vintage of the Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon!
November 22, 2008

GOGOMIKE
VERASION WINES ARE ALWAYS A GREAT VALUE FOR ME. BUT, ONE MANS TRASH IS ANOTHER MANS VALUE(SO TO SPEAK). I UNDERSTAND THAT NOT EVERONE CAN AFFORD PRICEY WINES. BUT, WHEN YOU WORK IN THE INDUSTRY IT VERY EASY TO GET SPOILED. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU GET TO GO TO ALL THE DISTRIBUTOR WINE TASTINGS AND GET A 20% DISCOUNT ON WINES PURCHASED AT WORK(WINES AT COST). THIS ALLOWS ME TO TRY WINES THAT I NORMALLY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD. IT IS EASY TO SHOOT DOWN A WINE ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF THE PRICE POINT BUT, LET US NOT FORGET THE REASON WE ENJOY WINE. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWER WHEN IT COMES TO WINE. JUST A WRONG ATTITUDE! PEACE OUT.
November 22, 2008

1WineDude
Way to go Volta!

Gary – thanks for the shout-out, bro!
November 23, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: That’s a little tough. I love most vintages of the St. Clement Orropas which is technically not a Cab although it is certainly Cab dominated.
November 25, 2008

Nik
QOTD – I’ve had very few as California Cab is actually pretty hard to get in London. Not sure why, but there isn’t a great selection over here.. I guess it just isn’t a popular taste here.
November 25, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Neal
November 26, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Cheated here. I popped a bottle of 1989 Dunn Howell Mountain that I originally paid $45 for. Now it would go for $145 but after a 2 hour opening was amazing and together.
December 1, 2008

Kristen
This was really an interesting approach. I like hearing about the daily happenings behind the scenes at the WL!

QOTD: Sorry to disappoint, but as a CKC, I don’t generally drop $25-50 on a bottle of Napa Cab. I’d rather spend it on some Old World wines. But this Volta sounds like quite the experience.
December 3, 2008

zinlover
Trivium (Lewelling Vineyard), Roy Estate 2005 Cabernet, Continuum 2005, Piña 2005 Howell Mountain, Peacock Family Vineyard 2004 – All different and all awesome
December 15, 2008

jimmy
2005 Jessup Cellars Cabernet. I like all the Jessup wines.
December 20, 2008

TimCub
Kinda enjoying Festival ‘34 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon with some smoked turkey, smoked cheddar, and a whole wheat tortilla. I think it’s pretty good. I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve actually enjoyed a Napa Cab.
January 3, 2009

yowens
Cool show. QOTD: I had a shafer around 50 recently that was really good.
January 29, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: Never had a Nappa cab above $20.
January 31, 2009

John D.
Just going through the archives GV and saw this episode. Well done. Will have to look out for Volta.

QOTD: The last Napa Cab I had was from Peju. I enjoyed it, but at ~30 bones, I can buy 3 bottles of killer Spanish wines for the same price, wines that punch way above their weight. I think that is the major reason why I don’t drink California wines that much. Why would I spend 30-60 bones on a CA wine when I could find a nice value Spanish or French wine at 1/2 or 1/3 the price, and get some old world love rather than the fruit bomb/factory-made/over-oaked stuff coming out of CA? Ugh.
October 17, 2009

Brian
For an awesome napa cab between $20-40, try Truchard 2003-2005