As consumers we tend to look at the appellations listed on the bottle as statements of prestige and quality. For example, Napa is better than Sonoma. Sonoma is better than Mendocino or Paso Robles. Paso Robles is better than Lodi. But is this true? I think it is dangerous to speak in absolutes, especially when there are so many factors that contribute to what ends up inside a bottle of wine. However, as the old saying goes,” stereotypes exist for a reason.”
For our April selections I have chosen one Cabernet from Napa Valley, and one that is exactly half the price, from the Lodi AVA in the Sacramento River delta. One is produced by a family winery, from 50 year old vines, hand-harvested and vineyards they have owned since the gold rush. The other is made from purchased grapes of unknown origin, with no pedigree, yet it sells for double the price. We will see which better suits your palate and discuss some of the reasons why each of these wines commands the price they sell for. There is no winner or loser, just simply an exercise in determining if price and place truly matter to you when it comes to quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
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