The wines from these places are highly sought-after wines that often sell out completely before the next vintage is released. Often times you need to join the winery’s mailing list just to get an allocation of wine that you can purchase. In a good vintage, these wines command staggering prices, but offer up a quality that is hard to find elsewhere. Because their cult status attracts more attention, expect to make a reservation weeks in advance and be prepared to pay more for the opportunity to taste these wines. Also, expect a more formal, orchestrated tasting experience than you would find at wineries that pour at a tasting bar. Not every cult winery welcomes visitors on a regular basis, but these few are usually open to the public.
Shafer (Stag’s Leap – Silverado Trail) www.shafervineyards.com
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| Cult wineries described below |
A sit-down tasting is offered in a tasting salon with large glass windows overlooking the foothill vineyards. Because it is slightly above the valley floor, the views from the tasting room extend for miles. Expect to taste in groups of eight to ten people. The Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon is the cult wine made here, but their Merlot is the real value coming from Shafer.
Opus One (Oakville – Highway 29) www.opusonewinery.com
Opus One is the cult wine started by Robert Mondavi in partnership with Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Bordeaux. Here, only one wine is made, but a generous pour is offered. If you are travelling with someone, ask for a second glass to share the tasting. Sometimes, older vintages are offered as well.
Opus One is the cult wine started by Robert Mondavi in partnership with Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Bordeaux. Here, only one wine is made, but a generous pour is offered. If you are travelling with someone, ask for a second glass to share the tasting. Sometimes, older vintages are offered as well.
Caymus Vineyards (Rutherford – Rutherford Cross Rd.) www.caymus.com
Caymus makes two Cabernets, the Napa Valley and the Special Selection, which is their cult offering. The Napa Valley Cabernet can be enjoyed at the walk-up tasting bar, but to experience the Special Selection Cabernet, you need to reserve a tasting appointment in the formal tasting salon.
Caymus makes two Cabernets, the Napa Valley and the Special Selection, which is their cult offering. The Napa Valley Cabernet can be enjoyed at the walk-up tasting bar, but to experience the Special Selection Cabernet, you need to reserve a tasting appointment in the formal tasting salon.
Joseph Phelps (St. Helena – Taplin Rd., off Silverado Trail) www.jpvwines.com
Like Shafer, Joseph Phelps makes a number of wines. Insignia is the cult wine made here, but their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific value for the quality offered. Joseph Phelps offers multiple tasting options, including a terrace tasting (self-paced) and more formal tasting seminars.
Like Shafer, Joseph Phelps makes a number of wines. Insignia is the cult wine made here, but their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific value for the quality offered. Joseph Phelps offers multiple tasting options, including a terrace tasting (self-paced) and more formal tasting seminars.
Other cults:
Araujo(-), Colgin(-), Dominus(-), Dunn(-), Futo(*), Grace Family(-), Harlan(-), Kapcsandy(+), Maybach(-), Hourglass(+), Merus(-), Rudd(+), Scarecrow(-), Schrader(-), Screaming Eagle(-), Silver Oak(+), Sloan(-)
- Not open to public
* Mailing-list only
+ Available for tasting
* Mailing-list only
+ Available for tasting
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