query: What are some good suggestions for Cabernets (from anywhere) for between $20 and $40? What I would like, but probably won't get, is something complex, very slightly on the woody side, tasting like something between an Haut-Brion and Lafite Rothshild, both properly aged. (Just a joke. Sorry.)
I don't recall the mix of flavors, but I've always liked Simi Cabs. (Simi winery). I haven't had one in a few years, but it's been dependable.
Jose
If the previous question was too general, here's a slightly more specific query: What are some good suggestions for Cabernets (from anywhere) for between $20 and $40? What I would like, but probably won't get, is something complex, very slightly on the woody side, tasting like something between an Haut-Brion and Lafite Rothshild, both properly aged. (Just a joke. Sorry.)
In general, it's difficult for me to find cabs that are complex, balanced, and that taste like they have been properly aged. - I don't have a wine cellar and don't expect to live long enough to age them myself. What about some of the reserve Ste. Michelles? Some of the Stags Leap cabs in this price range also look good.
Jim
JimC wrote in news:5uFOh.520$ snipped-for-privacy@newssvr22.news.prodigy.net:
I'd say go across the street from Ste Michelle to Columbia Winery. Last time I went they had quite a wine library. It may only be available at the winery though.
Terra Blanca also has some nice Cabernets. In WA Cosco offers them, but from Costco their below your range.
L'Ecole no 41 is probably better than either of the above, but getting an aged Cab would definitely put it beyound the $40 range.
Woodward Canyon, has some 375's in your price range, and the 2001 and 2002 are probably ready now.
Russell Creek if I remember correctly has good Cab. They also have a space on the order form for *Library Wines* so it might be possible to get some aged Cabs from them.
Seven Hills Winery, Three Rivers, Townshend Cellars (though I'd go for his blends rather than his Cab, I think he adds complexity by adding merlot and Cab Franc to the mix.),
There are undoubtedly others that meet your criteria, but I eliminated a bunnch if older vintages were either not available, or way above your price range. Also I eliminated some who I *think* make good Cab, but what I remembered them for was their Syrah, eliminated others who were more "mass market" wines, and of course a lot I haven't tasted at all.
If you want more info on Washington wines,
Two small WA labels to look for who make red blends in this range are Cadence -
And Baer -
Both are really excellent for the price range, though both are also fairly new (Baer goes all the way back to to 2000) - but I think most of their wines in this range are good for drinking shortly after release. The trick will be finding them if you are not in the Northwest. I think Cadence is more widely available.
Dale M.
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