Which Wine Would You Choose?

Question

Looking over a wine list in advance of going to the restaurant for a meal. I'm interested in trying a wine I've never tasted. Given the selection below, which of these would you choose (All are rated 95 (Classic) or higher by WS):

Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon '01 Chateau Leoville Las Cases '89 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ' 97 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages '96 Joseph Phelps Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon '02 Joseph Phelps Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon '97 Viader Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc '97 Viader Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc '98

TIA

Richard Neidich · Accepted Answer

JB...first I have to assume you are planing to have some form of Red Meat or Game. All look GREAT!

Some might be better for example Leoville would be great with Rack of Lamb...most of the others are great with a steak.

All are excellent wines. I imagine the las Casas might be the most expensive.

Ken Blake · Answer

Assuming that any difference in price isn't an issue, I'd choose the Leoville Las-Cases.

Mark Lipton · Answer

My first choice would be the LLC as it is at least close to being fully mature. The Caymus would also be approachable now, although far too oaky for my tastes. The '02 Phelps Insignia is a baby right now but still rather enjoyable. The Montelena, OTOH, is probably still tough as nails, though I haven't had that particular year.

HTH Mark Lipton

DaleW · Answer

Normally I'd say the LLC, but that's a year that maybe they didn't doquite as well as normal, but pricing is more like LLC in great vintage.Still a good wine. But if pricing is representative, probably pick the'97 Montelena or '97 Insignia .Agree that the Cinq Cepages is likely worst value/JB wrote:

miles · Answer

The Caymus is the only one I've ever had and it is excellent.  But it's not worth the absurdly high price Caymus is getting for it.  If someone buys it for you...drink it!!

Sean E. Slindee · Answer

Say it isn't so!

MarcB · Answer

I'd go for the Viader 97.  Very good cab year, from an outstandingmaker, and probably most accessible.  Montelena and Insignia are tooyoung.Marc

UC · Answer

The one with the prettiest label.

Lawrence Leichtman · Answer

Leoville always if you don't care about the price.

Ric · Answer

The '97 Insignia

Which Wine Would You Choose?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?