A Balanced California Cab?

Most of the time, I'm quite happy with Italian varietals. But every once in awhile I get an urge for a good, balanced domestic cab. Martinis' Napa Valley or Alexander Valley used to be my go to cabs in the $15-22.00 range. But they have changed for the worst in the last couple of years.

I love the Washington cabs, but they just aren't available in this market. But this area has a multitude of CA cabs in any shop you go into. Any suggestions for balanced CA cab in this price range?

Thanks,

Richard

In that price range, Simi comes to mind (from Alexander Valley). If you go up to $30-$40 you might consider ZD or Sequoia Grove, or Del Bondio Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford, Napa).

Here's my list, which may or may not be helpful:

Although there is a hint of American Oak on the palette, I was very impressed by the Charles Krug Yountville Selection Cab. It's at $26, which may be over your limit, but I found it very elegant and balanced.

For a little more money ($35 or so), I also like Clos Du Val's basic Cab bottling. The 2004 is a little "closed" and discombobulated at the moment, but I think it will be quite nice in a few months or a year or two.

If you have a BevMo and are willing to spend even more, they are running a special from a small, semi-cult producer in Stag's Leap-Vine Cliff 2003. It's a great Stag's Leap Cab that normally sells for $69, but is running for $39 and is worth it. A beautiful wine that is elegant, balanced, not sweet, and drinking well now with significant upside potential. I was very impressed!

In the same range ($32), and if you are willing or able to have it shipped, I am very impressed with the elegance of Tom Farella's wines: http://www.farella.com/ourwine.html

Cheap and good, but pretty darn balanced the last time I tried it: "The Other Guys" (A Sebastiani label) Aquinas Cab is nice for $11.

The Sterling Napa Valley basic bottling o (Napa Valley, not the cheaper stuff, which is red grape juice, imo) is balanced, not too sweet, and has nice varietal character for $19.

Richard, a good go-to Cab that is hard to beat in this price range is Hess Collection. If you don't mind going south, try the Concha y Toro Puente Alto Marqués.

Richard, it's not California, but I recommend the Montes Alpha cabernet and syrah for about $19 in my market.

A few I've liked in the past 6 mos. or so:

Abbeyville (~$10)
Montoya (~$12)
Dominican Oaks (~$14)


Haven't tried, but I've heard nice things, and it's in my queue:

Ch. Souverain (~$15)

Dittos on the Souvereign! Very nicely balanced, not sweet, not too oaky!

Richard,

Another ditto on the Souverain, as well as Montoya and Dominican Oaks. Additionally, if you're fortunate enough to find Hahn (2004),grab it. IMO,this was one of those hidden gems we all seek. Cal cabs happen to be my passion and I'm always on a QPR quest. I bought 2 cases of '04 Hahn,which, to me, drinks like a $40-50 cab. I bought 1 bottle of the '05 and poured it down the sink. Vintage is particularly key at this price point.

Couple of others I've enjoyed recently are:

J.Lohr 2004 $15.00
St.Francis 2002 $23.00

CHEERS!

Art

Thanks Everyone.

Richard

Since they seem to have gotten the taint think nder control, I think the BV Rutherford was back on track in 2003 or 2004 vintages.
Agree re the Hahn and the Souverain.
Chapellet's Mountain Cuvee is under 75% CS, but a good one.

would be any of the DryCreekVnyd Cabs. Very balanced, varietally correct and very reasonably priced.
Gad...I even like their Merlot....but please don't let that get out on the InterNet or my reputation will be ruined!!!
Tom