$15 - $26 cabs vs the $40+ cabs

I went to a couple wine tastings in Olympia in December/Jan at some local shops. I live in the $11-26 range cabs which I get for about $8/bottle from a club (you don't join). The $40+ cab I bought in Olympia had more complexity, other interesting flavors). Is this generally true? What are your suggestions? My favorites are not fruity/forward/sweet and have a cedarwood finish. I'm not against pairing, but I prefer to taste (a new) wine w/o complex foods until I understand it. Right now I'm having a Primitivo with some plain quinoa (it's a good foil) and thoroughly enjoying it.

[David M. Bueker]

I don't play much in the $15-$40 Cab range. Lower priced reds skew Italian for me. Greater value.

My favorite Sauv Bl under $15 is a Chilean bottle at $4.50 (Trader Joe, used to be $4). I buy it by the case. Reds are more difficult. I have a different one very 3 days hoping for the holy grail. I've found a couple I like, but I'm not in love..That's why I wonder about the $40+ ones. I opened a 15 yr old cab my wife won in an auction years ago. It too was delish. It too was in the $40 club. It's good 2B retired..

[David M. Bueker]

Cheap white wine tends to be better than cheap red wine in my experience.

Cheap, full bodied red wines are not the easiest thing to find. When you slip into the $40 range for Cabernet you often get into sweet, confected flavors. One notable exception for me is the Ramey Claret. Give that one a shot.

Will look for it. Thanks!

[Robin Garr]

I don't play much in the $15-$40 Cab range. Lower priced reds skew Italian for me. Greater value.

Agree, but I'd add Southern France - the Southern Rhone, Languedoc and Provence - for decent-value reds. YMMV ...

[David M. Bueker]

I don't play much in the $15-$40 Cab range. Lower priced reds skew Italian for me. Greater value.

Agree, but I'd add Southern France - the Southern Rhone, Languedoc and Provence - for decent-value reds. YMMV ...

Yes, though I find the Italian wines in the price range to be more distinctive. Had an $18 Barbera the other night that was clearly Piedmont Barbera. So many value level Southern French wines are just ripe grapes to my palate.