California Cult Wine Prices Are Going Crazy!

For those of you who have had the good fortune to10-15 year track record.
get on the mailing lists of the "cult" wineries fromI wonder if we are approaching some critical mass
California years ago you may be shaking your head inwhere the wine buying public starts to seriously look
agreement as you read this note about wine prices.and purchase wines from other upcoming areas that
Those readers who have just started collecting topreflect pricing of California wines from 10-15 years
California wines may not have the same perspectiveago.
due to current market prices in recent years.It is clear to me that one of the reasons Americans
This time of year some of the best boutiquehave fell in love with Australian wines in the past 5
wineries are sending out to their mailing list customersyears is that the quality to price ratio is often 1/3
wine allocations notices and pricing for the upcomingthat of similar California wines. Will the same hold true
vintage. The list of top California wineries has beenfor wine from Chile, Argentina and Spain? Only time
growing due to improved financial backing, betterwill tell.
winemaking technology and sustainable agricultureOne of the wine world's best stories in 2006 is the
practices; all of this is fueled by a very hot wine95 points Robert Parker awarded to a $19.95 wine
market. From my personal tastings, California's topfrom Australia. The Mollydooker "Boxer" Shiraz has
"red" winemakers and ones you should get on theirone of the highest price to points ratio in the history
waiting list include: Harlan, Abreu, Colgin Cellars, Bryantof Mr. Parker's notes. The wine made by veteran
Family, Dalla Valle, Shafer Hillside, Screaming Eagle,winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis defies gravity
Sine Qua Non, Hundred Acre and Pride Mountain.with a screw cap enclosure and a rip-off wine label
Consumers who have been on these winery mailing"tab" that allows wine lovers to keep the name of
lists from the beginning have seen a steady rise inthe wine close to their hearts. So much for the
wine prices. For some wineries the price increases aresnooty tissue paper wrapped bottles from the Napa
staggering. The 2004 Screaming Eagle came out atValley!
$500 per bottle. Their first release in 1992 was sellingI would say that since this wine sold out in a matter
for $50 per bottle. The 2004 Harlan came out atof days post his review, American's appetites for
$350 per bottle. Their first release in 1990 came out$150+ California Cabernet's may be waning. In closing,
at $75 per bottle.one of the best wines produced in California is the
The free market system tells us that "goods" sell atPhelps Insignia which sells for around $130 per bottle.
prices that the current market will bear. Today manyThis is widely available at wine retailers and every
cult wineries are having no problem selling their winesvintage is a great value. Some of the best vintages
because of the small quantities they produce. But atcan compare to the top cult wines at 1/3 the price.
what point do long time patrons of these wineriesI'm still amazed why this wine does not sell off the
have to stop buying because they are either pricedretail shelves in the first few weeks of sale! I
out of the market or find more compelling wines atcommend the Joseph Phelps winery for keeping this
lower prices?great wine priced for all to enjoy. I wish more wines
Top California wines are approaching the bottle pricesof this caliber and aging potential were priced this
of the First Growth Bordeaux wines. I think this willreasonably! I just recently tasted the 1994 Insignia
be a critical intersection to watch since the Frenchand it was superb!!!! This wine has a well establish
have established 100+ years of bottle aging dataaging profile so give it a try.
whereas the California newcomers have at best at