Who is your favorite Napa Cabernet producer and why?

Answer 1

I have to correct chefgirl quickly. Since 1978, according to the Wine Spectator website, Wine Spectator has only ranked 20 of Sterling's wines in the 90s. This is out of 200+ Sterling wines listed on their website. The view is great from their winery, but their wines are generally lower quality. Since 2003, the most expensive bottle they've had reviewed is $25. That doesn't mean their wines aren't drinkable or tasty to many people and I certainly won't get on anyone for liking them. It's all personal preference. : )

Personally, If I were buying a Napa cab, I'd buy one of these:

J Davies
Raymond Generations
Caymus
Cain
Dunn
Beringer's top reserve label

and of course, if I could get it, Screaming Eagle

I think that Stag's Leap, Silver Oak, and Opus One are all overpriced for what you get. I'd much rather spend the money on one of the above.

Hope this helped! : )

Answer 2

Silver Oak's Alexander Valley Cabernet is both complex and accessible which makes it great for both casual wine drinkers and oenophiles.

Rubicon Estates (formerly Niebaum Coppola) Cask Cabernet is extremely unique but also has some very familiar flavors. Can't be beat with a rare rib eye.

Rubicon Estates proprietary Rubicon blend is the most consistent Bordeaux style Cabernet based wine produced in Napa over the last 6-8 years.

Answer 3

Silver Oak is one of my favorites. It's complexity and its smoothness make it a great Cab. However, at $100 a bottle it's not a wine that I can afford to have very often.

One of my favorite "best buy" Cabernets is Hawk's Crest Stag's Leap Cabernet that goes for only $15 a bottle. It tastes better than many Cabs that are much more expensive.

There are many Cabernets that are great in the $30 - $50 range such as Schafer and Jordan.

Answer 4

I have to agree with Veronica Lake. I just had the J Davies for the first time at a private tour there and it was absolutely wonderful. I could not believe my mouth when I had a fabulous cab coming from a sparkling wine producer. I also love the Raymond Generations. Goes exceptionally well with a nice steak.

I also love anything from BV. You cannot go wrong with the Georges De Latour. They learned cabernet from the absolute master of Cab, Andre Tchelistcheff. He was the mentor for people like Robert Mondavi.

I also really like Silverado Solo. All wines these wines that are big bold and fruity.

I personally do not like anything from Beringer, Robert Mondavi or Opus One. They are extremely over priced for overly tannic dry wine.

I also generally go for wines that are blends like Phelps Insignia, BV Tapestry.

Answer 5

Sterling. Not only do they produce a very smooth wine, but the winery is incredible. You take a tram to the top of the hill to do the tastings. Beautiful views and Japanese gardens. The whole experience is great. Plus, Wine Spectator always ranks them in the 90's, so they have a good score. They always bring in big money at the Wine Auction.

Answer 6

While I generally prefer Sonoma cabs to napa, my favorite Napa producer is Joseph Phelps. His Napa cab has been consistently outstanding for a number of vintages and they have good balance without being over oaky. Phelps Insignia is a phenominal cab blend that offers all you could want.

Answer 7

i was thinking of asking a similar question. it would be nice if when u answer, give a rough price on the wine suggested. thanks guys