Cult Wines Originated In California
Cult wine is wine that is supposedly rare and majestic, thanks to glowing reviews, and glorious accolades from critics. Cult wines achieve their status because they are made in very small quantities and demand is very high. The typical example is a Napa Valley Cabernet from a single small vineyard that is usually made by California’s cutting-edge winemaker – consultants
Other factors that perpetuate the cult wine phenomenon.
- DEMAND – Buyers sometimes want to believe they are drinking the best and the more expensive a wine becomes, the more desirable it gets. Often the production level is around 125 cases of 12 bottles and there is little to go around.
- HYPE – It has been said that high prices for wine can generate demand rather than act as a deterrent. Designer labels and savvy marketing enter the equation.
- CELEBRATION OF THE DOT-COM ERA – Millionaires that cashed out demanded the most expensive Californian wines. Some even bought wineries and vineyards.
- TASTE – Cult wines are often made to impress even when consumed young – grapes are picked when they are super-ripe. The drinker often utters, “Wow!” The tannins are soft yet strong. The wine is sweet with rich grapey fruit but with enough acidity for a voluptuous sexy finish.”
| The Cult List | |
| ARAUJO | Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Eisele Vineyard |
| BRYANT FAMILY | Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley |
| COLGIN | Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Herb Lamb Vineyard |
| DALLA VALLE | Maya Napa Valley |
| GRACE FAMILY | Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley |
| HARLAN ESTATE | Napa Valley |
| MARCASSIN | Chardonnay |
| SCREAMING EAGLE | Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley |
| SHAFER | Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Hillside Select |
 Araujo Eisele in US$ |
Other Cultish Wines
Abreau, Flowers Pinot Noir, Pahlmeyer Red, Paradigm Cabernet, Peter Michael Les Pavots, Pride Mountain, Turley Zinfandels, Vineyard 29, Williams-Selyem Pinot Noir
Cult wines are marketed via exclusive mailing lists. Those on the list obtain the wines at below US$100 a bottle. The street price is easily 400%-700% times that.
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