The Cults

The California cult wine phenomenon sprung from the roaring economy and excesses of the internet bubble in the 1990’s. The inductees into this highly select group can be counted on two hands: Araujo Estate Eisele vineyard, Bryant Family Vineyard, Colgin, Dalla Valle Maya, Harlan Estate, Grace Family Vineyard, Screaming Eagle, and Shafer Hillside Select. These wines are produced in extremely limited quantities (sometimes as small as 50 cases), have consistently earned perfect or almost perfect scores from the worlds leading wine guru Robert Parker, only sell via mailing list to an extremely limited number of people, and demand astronomical prices from loyalists the world over.

Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard

Araujo is a Chateau-style wine property in northern Napa Valley. Its famed cult wine is made from cabernet sauvignon grapes sourced exclusively from Eisele vineyard. These grapes are remarkably concentrated, low yielding and very capable of being transformed into astounding wines. They “have a rare combination of forthright character with precisely defined flavors and fine textures, deep concentration without any sense of heaviness, and the capacity to develop profound complexity with age.” (winery website) If you can get your hands on them, try the following vintages:

1994 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 95)
1995 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 98)
1996 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 94)
1997 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 99)
1998 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 92)
1999 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 95)
2000 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 91)
2001Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 97)
2002 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 98-100)
2003 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard (RP 96-98)

Bryant Family Vineyards

Bryant Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes grown on the Pritchard Hill vineyard in Napa Valley. These grapes benefit from an almost unique weather effect produced by Lake Hennessey. Hot summertime temperatures are moderated by winds off the lake keeping the grapes cooler and imparting unique characteristics. Try the following:

1993 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 95)
1994 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 98)
1995 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 99)
1996 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 99)
1997 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 100)
1998 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 93)
1999 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 100)
2000 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 95)
2001 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 91)
2002 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 96)
2003 Bryant Family Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 996-98)

Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard

The combination of excellent terrior and the expertise of winemaker Helen Turley has launched the Colgin winery into wine history with one of the most sought after cult wines. Also situated above Lake Hennessey the Colgin winery was purchased by Ann Colgin and produced the first vintage of Herb Lamb cabernet sauvignon in 1992. Try the following wines:

1992 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 96)
1993 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 95)
1994 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 96)
1995 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 98)
1996 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 97)
1997 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 99)
1998 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 90)
1999 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 95)
2000 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 91)
2001 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 95)
2002 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 96)
2003 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard (RP 91-94)

Dalla Valle Maya

Named after the daughter of Naoko and Gustov Dalla Valle, the Maya vineyard is located on the eastern hillside of Napa Valley. The wine itself is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Aged in 70% to 80% new French oak these are wines of “extreme refinement, rich elegance and outstanding aging potential.” (from website) Only 500 cases are made a year :

1990 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 96)
1991 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 99)
1992 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 100)
1993 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 98)
1994 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 99)
1995 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 96-98)
1996 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 96)
1997 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 99)
1998 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 95)
1999 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 97)
2000 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 91)
2001 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 92)
2002 Dalla Valle Maya (RP 93)

Harlan Estate

Harlan Estate is situated above the Napa Valley benchlands in the western hills of Napa Valley. Owner William Harlan, a real estate developer in a former life, has achieved fame in proportion with his financial success with his estate wines. Planted with the classic Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, Harlan Estate produces world class grapes. Try the following wines:

1991 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 98)
1992 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 96)
1993 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 95)
1994 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 100)
1995 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 99)
1996 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 98)
1997 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 100)
1998 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 95)
1999 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 92)
2000 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 91)
2001 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 100)
2002 Harlan Proprietary Red Blend (RP 96-100)

Grace Family Vineyard

Grace Family Vineyards is probably the first Cult winery in Napa Valley. As one of the first vineyard designated wines, Grace Family Vineyard's first vintage was produced by Dick and Ann Grace with the help of Caymus’s Charlie Wagner in 1978. On only a one acre plot, they produce only 50 cases of wine each year. Committed to using wine as “a catalyst towards healing our planet” the Grace’s are committed to organic and biodynamic farming as well as tailoring their wines towards charity auctions. Try these wines;

1985 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 96)
1986 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 93)
1991 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 89)
1993 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 91)
1994 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 94)
1995 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 94)
1999 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 89)
2000 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 88-90)
2002 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 89)

Screaming Eagle

Screaming Eagle is the penultimate Cult Wine. It is the most sought after, most expensive, and hardest to get California wine. Owner Jean Phillips hand bottled the first vintage in 1992 and the wine catapulted to the top almost instantly. Try these:

1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 99)
1993 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 97)
1994 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 94)
1995 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 99)
1996 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 98)
1997 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 100)
1998 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 94)
1999 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 97)
2001 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 98)
2002 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 99)
2003 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (RP 95-97)


Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select

John Shafer acquired his vineyards in the 1970’s. The unique configuration of the vineyards ensures that their premier wine can be exceptionally made every year despite the vagaries of weather. Sections of sunlight and shadow produce intensely flavored small dark berries of meager yield. But the quality is intense and their Hillside Select shows beautifully time and again. Try these wines:

1990 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 92)
1991 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 94)
1992 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 95)
1993 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 94)
1994 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 99)
1995 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 99)
1996 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 98)
1997 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 99)
1998 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 94)
1999 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 97)
2000 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 93)
2001 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 99)
2002 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 98-100)
2003 Shafer Stag’s Leap Hillside Select (RP 94-98)

The Big Boys of Australia

In recent years the Australian wine industry has seen phenomenal growth not only in sales but in international esteem. Thousands of people and hundreds of wineries have contributed to this success, yet there are a select few whose effect has perhaps been felt more strongly than the rest. Whether they have been on the scene for over a hundred years, or have only been around for a decade or so, their impact has been profound. Read on for a little history and the wines that made it.

Henschke

The Henschke Family is old name in Australian winemaking. Johann Christian Henschke’s first commercial vintage was in 1868. Owned and operated by family through five generations, the Henschke’s are still producing fine wines to this day. First produced in 1958 the pinnacle of their achievement is the world renowned Henschke 'Hill of Grace' Shiraz. Also of note are the Henschke's 'Mount Edelstone Keyneton Vineyard' Shiraz, and 'Cyril Henschke' Cabernet.

Wines to try:

Henschke 'Hill of Grace' Shiraz: 1991, 1995, 1998, 1999

Henschke 'Mount Edelstone Keyneton Vineyard' Shiraz: 1995, 2000, 2001

Henschke 'Cyril Henschke' Cabernet: 1999

D’Arenberg

Although the d’Arenberg family has made wine in the McLaren Vale since 1912, the winery didn’t really take off until Francis d’Arenberg took the reins in 1957. It was only two years until he bottled the first red stripe wines now famous the world over. By the 60’s their wines had achieved a cult status among aficionados. The stage was set, and the international fame they have enjoyed from the 70’s to the present day has come as a surprise to no one. Their flagship wines include d’Arenberg 'The Coppermine Road' Cabernet, 'The Ironstone Pressings' Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, and 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz. Of their lower end wines 'The Footbolt' Shiraz is probably one of their best known offerings. All of their wines are produced in the particularly unique d’Arenberg fashion and are a testament to Australia’s winemaking history.

Wines to try:

D’Arenberg 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

D’Arenberg 'The Coppermine Road' Cabernet Sauvignon: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

D’Arenberg 'The Ironstone Pressings' Blend: 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

D’Arenberg 'The Footbolt' Shiraz: 1998, 2001

Penfolds

No one can think “Australian wine” without the Penfold’s winery jumping to mind. Not only can Penfolds claim one of the oldest histories in Australia, it arguably holds bragging rights for producing a wine that has done more than any others to prove Australia’s potential and capacity to make fine wines.

Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold set up shop, as a doctor and a vintner, in 1845 on the outskirts of Adelaide. As the winery has thrived through the years it has transformed from primarily a maker of fortified wines and ports to the primarily shiraz based fine wines we are familiar with today. Of course, it was Penfold’s 'Grange Hermitage,' first produced in 1951 that set the standard, then and now, for Australian wine making.

Wines to try:

Penfold’s 'Grange Hermitage': 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

Penfold’s 'Grange': 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001

Torbreck

Torbreck is a young winery founded in 1994 by David Powell. In less than twelve years he has made quite a significant impact on the Australian wine scene. Although the winery is named after an ancient forest in Scotland, his wines are thoroughly modern, yet produced in a traditional style from old vines and tailored to the international palate. Torbreck’s 'Run Rig' and 'The Factor' and 'The Struie' top today’s list as must-taste Australian wines. However, even from their low end 'Woodcutters Red' and 'Woodcutters White' David Powell has established a reputation for quality that is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.

Wines to try:

Torbreck 'Run Rig': 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001

Torbreck 'The Factor': 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Torbreck 'The Struie': 2001, 2002

Torbreck 'Woodcutters Red': 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003

Torbreck 'Woodcutters White': 2001, 2002, 2003

Clarendon Hills

Clarendon Hills is another young winery that has left a much larger footprint than its short history would suggest. Established in 1989, the winery has an extensive line of wines almost all of which are 100% varietal. However, it is Clarendon Hills 'Astralis' Syrah that truly earned this winery a name for itself in the world of wine. Grown on 70 year old dry grown vines rooted in clay and ironstone, the grapes are handpicked and fermented with natural yeast. After 18 months in 100% French oak the wine is bottled without fining or filtration. Other wines of note include Clarendon Hills 'Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard', Clarendon Hills 'Grenache Old Vines Kangarilla Vineyard', and Clarendon Hills 'Hickinbotham Vineyard Syrah'.

Wines to try:

Clarendon Hills 'Astralis': 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003

Clarendon Hills 'Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard': 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003

Clarendon Hills 'Grenache Old Vines Kangarilla Vineyard': 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Clarendon Hills 'Hickinbotham Vineyard Syrah': 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003

Chris Ringland

Chris Ringland produced his first vintage of 'Three Rivers' Shiraz only 10 years ago, but, like Clarendon Hills 'Astralis' and Torbreck 'Run Rig', the effect of this superb wine on the Australian wine scene is significant. He was one of the first people in Barossa Valley to concentrate on one limited production parcel for a very serious wine. He also produces 'Randall’s Hill' Shiraz which, although it is prettier and less intense, it remains an outstanding wine.

Wines to try:

Cris Ringland 'Three Rivers' Shiraz: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999

Chris Ringland 'Randall’s Hill' Shiraz: 1995, 1997

Lindeman's

Dr. Henry J. Lindeman is one of the earliest winemaking pioneers in Australia whose legacy continues on to this day. In the late 1843 he planted his first vineyard in New South Wales. By the end of the 19^th century his Cawarra Claret was enjoying recognition in Paris and in London. He was devoted to creating quality wines that had a broad appeal and his families continued success was instrumental in bringing Australia onto the world’s wine stage.

Wines to try:

For easy drinking affordable wines, choose any from Lindeman’s broad selection.

Get with the times - buy wine online

Buying wine can be an intimidating experience for anyone, especially without the helping hand of a friendly clerk at your local wine store. However, truth be told, buying wine online can actually be the easiest, least-intimidating and most importantly, the cheapest way to purchase your wine.

Given the diverse selection of wine—from vintages to varietals to appellations—there is a lot to know in order to make an informed buying decision. You can bet your ’97 Opus One that the clerk at your local wine store doesn’t have the time to educate you like your computer does. Can you imagine asking the clerk to show you all wines in stock from California; then put back all but the reds; then remove all but ’97 vintages; then put back all varietals but the Cabernet Sauvignons. By now, 7 hours have passed and the store clerk is working up a major sweat, highly annoyed, and wondering if your business is worth it. Of course, you haven't quite narrowed your choice down yet, so you then ask the clerk to leave you with the wines that rated over 90 points…and now you are ready to decide - 1997 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. But wait…how do you know the bottle is reasonably priced for $65.00? Well, it doesn’t matter, because if you decide against buying this bottle of wine, the store clerk will beat you over the head with the bottle, until you take it. On the other hand, if you would have done the same research online, the computer would have had an answer for you within minutes and been at your beck and call for additional requests. In addition, many wine retailers’ websites will have definitions of wine terms and descriptions of varietals, regions, and food pairings at your finger tips. Of course, a case can be made for the occasional store clerk who makes great wine recommendations – but what about all those other times when they are recommending a wine for reasons they don’t tell you?

Probably the number one reason to buy wine online is to save money. Comparing prices of wines online is easy, especially with services like WineZap, which lists all the retailers across the US who sell a particular wine and their respective prices. When you walk into your local wine store, you are only offering yourself the choice of one retailer at one price. That lesson is simple. Shopping around can make all the difference and doing it online is one of the fastest and most straightforward ways of doing it and making sure you’re getting the best deal.

And here’s something else. Research tell us that for almost any wine, its cost at the highest priced retailer is close to double that of the lowest—and most would agree to wanting the best deal out there. Here’s an example: the 1996 Dom Perignon is currently offered by a retailer in California for $89.95 and by another retailer in Illinois for $163.99. Yikes! But wait, there’s more: If a person in Illinois purchased 12 bottles of the 1996 Dom Perignon from the store in California, the price would be $1,079.40, plus shipping of $35, for a total of $1,114.40. On the other hand, if the person happened to find the 1996 Dom Perignon in Illinois for the exact same price of $89.95, they would still have to pay sales tax of 7.5%, or $80.95. The total would be $1,160.35, in short an extra $45! The lesson is, when you consider a purchase of wine, do the math. Ask yourself, "What’s more? The shipping from out of state, or the sales tax?" The answer could make a significant difference.

The bottom line is that the Internet is a very powerful tool for wine shoppers today, given the diversity in retailer’s wine prices. If you like to touch and feel what you are buying and don’t mind paying extra for the experience – stick to your local wine retailer. If you prefer to make an educated, money saving purchase in a very timely manner, buy wine online.