Cabernet sauvignon is the most planted red wine grape in California and most popular red wine. And the Napa Valley is its most revered source. Consequently, the average price of a ton cabernet grapes there is about $9,000 compared to just over $2000 statewide.
What passes for value in Napa Valley Cabernet: these days it’s hard to find a good Napa Cab for less than $50. Each of these wines exhibit the characteristics, balance and acidity needed to develop the complexities that make Cabernet Sauvignon increasingly appealing given time.
2022 Textbook “The Pey Family Reserve” ($46) solid fruit, firm but smooth texture
2019 Sequoia Grove ($55) consistently flavorful, savory notes, solid tannins
2019 Mount Veeder ($55) savory, fine texture, uplifting acidity
2018 Gamble ($60) rich fruit, full-bodied style, creamy, plush texture, licorice
2022 Priest Ranch ($60) estate-grown, mountain fruit, lively, smooth tannins, depth
2021 Frank Family ($60) alluring fruit, oaky spice, supple tannins
2021 Pine Ridge ($70) bold fruit, fuller-bodied, concentrated, good energy, supple mouthfeel
2019 Silverado ($72) bold fruit, oaky overlay, firm but fine-grained tannins
2019 Rombauer ($75) rather direct, concentrated fruit, savory-herbal notes, silky
2021 Trefethen Oak Knoll ($75) solid fruit, fresh herbs, tannic but lush texture
More wines are scaling $100 threshold: these are excellent examples of the elevated quality available, if you can afford it; depth of flavor, solid structure, distinctive characteristics, enjoyable now but will reward cellaring.
2021 Cliff Lede ($80) immediately appealing, juicy deep dark fruit, savory spices, tight but fine tannins, luscious
2019 Goosecross State Lane ($90) harmonious mix of intense fruit, savory notes and firm but well-integrated tannins
2021 Eleven Eleven XI Estate 11:11 & Destin Vineyards ($90) precise fruit, depth, oaky richness, graceful tannins
2021 Schrader “Double Diamond” Oakville ($90) excellent value considering Schrader’s other cabs reach several hundred dollars; mouthwatering, herbal notes, richly structured, polished tannins
2021 Turnbull Oakville Reserve ($110) rich, deep fruited, impressive complexity with soil and herbal notes, eminently structured, plush, fresh finish
2021 Ehlers Estate 1886 ($120) an assemblage of the best barrels; juicy concentrated fruit, complex savory elements, structured, lithe, refined tannins
2021 Ehlers Estate Leducq ($160) only crafted in the best years; juicy, bright fruit, accented with mineral and mint, silky, fine-grained tannins