Chipotlemonger said:

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*I am biased on Sonoma because I live here, but even outside of that bias before moving here we preferred our time visiting here over our time in Napa.

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We had a great meal at The Girl and the Fig in October. When I go back, I'm gonna spend a lot more time in Sonoma.

Visor said:

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I really enjoy Cab Franc and Pinot Noir - generally lean towards the lighter bodied wines.

Of course I do enjoy some Cabernet Sauvignon but quite a few that I have had seem to be a bit sweet for me (but obviously some are great).

Had a tempranillo this weekend and it was delicious / different.

Beyond that - I am pretty easy.

Would say $50 is the average and $150-200 for special occasion is where I find myself.

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Your tastes are pretty similar to mine. I have been drinking a fair amount of Bourguiel and Chinon for CF from the Loire. I haven't narrowed in on producers that I want to buy again, but that's been nice to explore. West Coast CF that I have always enjoyed is lang and Reed. They have a variety of price points. I like their entry level CF for a weekday supper. It's nothing complex, but it's light and got a bit of CF spice.

Agree on west coast Cabernet Sauvignon sometimes being sweet tasting. It's the fruit bomb extraction. It's popular. A lot of people like that. Go to BDX for your CS that are less fruity. Surprisingly good value can be found.

Welcome to the thread.

Eventually you'll be like us and just have wine everywhere in your house and you some how know random facts about obscure vineyards half way across the world because what's in the glass changed you.

In addition to every thing else mentioned (especially expanding your tastes to many styles and places)
I've found that if the only expression of my wine passion is buying it and drinking it, problems can occur!

So I recommend Read, read, read!

personal favorites

I Taste Red - the science of tasting wine

The History of Wine in 100 Bottles

Wine, A New History...

2024 Certified Specialist of Wine Study Guide (this is a must, even if you never plan on taking the test. The most comprehensive guide to wine I've ever seen.

Shadows in the Vineyard: The True Story of the Plot to Poison the World's Greatest Wine

The Sideways trilogy. Better than the movie.

Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine excellent history of early Napa, and as entertaining as "Bottle Shock" was, it's about 5% accurate.

I could keep going, but wine history, reading, study is a great addition to the passion.
And seriously, start with that CSW guide, several on here have passed the test and can vouch for it.

Have fun!

There are definitely some great domestic Cab Francs. Most wineries that do them though will just have the one offering. But if you find a producer you like for the style then that might not be a problem! Been impressed with CF from Reeve, Lang & Reed, and if you really have the desire to spend, Verite Le Desir.

For other light to medium domestic reds, if you are indeed looking for less fruit in your face and more tertiary notes, there are some great Pinots out there for it. Pinot Noirs out of Gary's Vineyard in particular might suit your fancy. Recommend also trying some Petaluma Gap Pinot and Syrah.

I'll add, not all Napa cab is the same. One of my favorites has all of the graphite and peppery flavor that I love out of Cab. Might just take some exploration to find them.

Visor said:

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I really enjoy Cab Franc and Pinot Noir - generally lean towards the lighter bodied wines.

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Gamay from Beaujolais or Morgon would be a good thing to try. Also, Barbera d'Alba / Asti or Nebbiolo Langhe.

Lots has been covered, only thing I'll add is research and follow restaurants and wine stores in your area. They'll often have wine makers or regions come for tastings.

For example, I'm in Houston and Houston Wine Merchant does them often.

For restaurants, we've done dinners at backstreet where a wine maker comes and works with the chef to do a wine pairing coursed meal. We've really enjoyed those. Our favorite was probably Long Meadow Ranch. Rainbow Lodge does them as well. Theirs seem to be more international region focused vs a specific vineyard or winemaker (for example wines from Chile).

FriendlyAg said:

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West Coast CF that I have always enjoyed is lang and Reed. They have a variety of price points. I like their entry level CF for a weekday supper. It's nothing complex, but it's light and got a bit of CF spice.

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I just bought a 2021 Lang and Reed cab franc last week! Looking forward to trying it.

Chipotlemonger said:

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There are definitely some great domestic Cab Francs. Most wineries that do them though will just have the one offering. But if you find a producer you like for the style then that might not be a problem! Been impressed with CF from Reeve, Lang & Reed, and if you really have the desire to spend, Verite Le Desir.

For other light to medium domestic reds, if you are indeed looking for less fruit in your face and more tertiary notes, there are some great Pinots out there for it. Pinot Noirs out of Gary's Vineyard in particular might suit your fancy. Recommend also trying some Petaluma Gap Pinot and Syrah.

I'll add, not all Napa cab is the same. One of my favorites has all of the graphite and peppery flavor that I love out of Cab. Might just take some exploration to find them.

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Does Reeve only sell their CF to members? Looked like they only had Pinot on their website. Or do they just sell out?

Unfortunately they only do limited releases. Get on their email list and you can see when they open it up. I warrant that not all member wines make it to public offering, but I could be wrong. We were members for a while but dropped it. You could always send them a note, just say you're a CF junkie and that you heard good things about what they've done with the grape. See if they can give you insight on any future offerings.

One other wine starter recommendation is Costco.

They have really good prices and a nice selection. I found it an easy way to experiment. 99% of the time you will get zero help from staff.

If you're looking for something specific Total Wine can't be beat and their prices are pretty good overall.

To the point of just try things from different regions. I was at the Grapevine wine festival and someone Si's this particular Australian cab was the best wine there. Tried it side by side with many California cabs and it was clear winner.

Point being I would never have thought a $50 Australian cab would be so good. Maybe it's my inexperienced palette but I like this one.

Was this at the CS tasting at the Gaylord?

Chipotlemonger said:

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Unfortunately they only do limited releases. Get on their email list and you can see when they open it up. I warrant that not all member wines make it to public offering, but I could be wrong. We were members for a while but dropped it. You could always send them a note, just say you're a CF junkie and that you heard good things about what they've done with the grape. See if they can give you insight on any future offerings.

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Gotcha. Cool, thanks.

I've had a few Aussie cabs in recent years and have always been pleased if not impressed. I like the couple I've had from the Margaret River region way out west near Perth, but there are good ones from other regions as well.

Chipotlemonger said:

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There are definitely some great domestic Cab Francs. Most wineries that do them though will just have the one offering. But if you find a producer you like for the style then that might not be a problem! Been impressed with CF from Reeve, Lang & Reed, and if you really have the desire to spend, Verite Le Desir.

For other light to medium domestic reds, if you are indeed looking for less fruit in your face and more tertiary notes, there are some great Pinots out there for it. Pinot Noirs out of Gary's Vineyard in particular might suit your fancy. Recommend also trying some Petaluma Gap Pinot and Syrah.

I'll add, not all Napa cab is the same. One of my favorites has all of the graphite and peppery flavor that I love out of Cab. Might just take some exploration to find them.

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aren't there a lot of CF coming out of Finger Lakes in NY?

Chipotlemonger said:

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Unfortunately they only do limited releases. Get on their email list and you can see when they open it up. I warrant that not all member wines make it to public offering, but I could be wrong. We were members for a while but dropped it. You could always send them a note, just say you're a CF junkie and that you heard good things about what they've done with the grape. See if they can give you insight on any future offerings.

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I bet they would sell you something if you emailed them. I have met the owner and follow him on insta, he's pretty relaxed. their wines are not cheap, I will say

Any thoughts on todays last bottle mystery grand cru?

Wineberserker thinks its Le Dome.

ATL Aggie said:

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Any thoughts on todays last bottle mystery grand cru?

Wineberserker thinks its Le Dome.

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Seems legit. In for a 3 pack.

Thanks all for the recommendations.

Just ordered a few Cab Francs from Lang & Reed.

LastBottle 2021 Peru Legacy Cab for $26

https://www.lastbottlewines.com/

That's a good deal no??

I think so, but to get free shipping you need to buy 6. I like Peju and snatched up 6.

Grabbed 6 as well for a drinker. Also if you can ever find the Peju merlot, highly recommended.

Vineyard29 never disappoints. Best Aida I've had so far, 2005 is close 2nd.

DDP

Had that bottle last week. Thought it was great but needed a big decant. That wine has a long life ahead of it

I'm a 20 year DV kinda guy, myself. I think I said this a few pages back, but DV has been one of my favorite aged Napa cabs.

Speaking of a wine that can age, I had a 2014 Pott Acteon cab sauv from Stag's Leap last night. It had many more years left but drank very well. Nice acidity and not over the top fruit so it paired well with my burger.

WestUAg said:

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Had that bottle last week. Thought it was great but needed a big decant. That wine has a long life ahead of it

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It was delicious pretty much right out of the bottle. However, it got better over the next 2-3hrs. Love DV

BSD said:

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Speaking of a wine that can age, I had a 2014 Pott Acteon cab sauv from Stag's Leap last night. It had many more years left but drank very well. Nice acidity and not over the top fruit so it paired well with my burger.

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Nice! I had the 2015 Western Star the other day. Very good and it really benefitted from a 1hr+ decant. Pott does good work

I'm a PJ fan, so that would be my choice. The Dom is probably still in the damp basement phase, and I don't find that flavor profile enjoyable.

You won't remember what it tastes like given the circumstance. Do PJ or Dom so you can have pics with a flowery or classical bottle upon arrival to ceremony; they show well in pics. Congrats and you'll enjoy whatever you open.