Originally Posted by
5DMarkIIguy
Napa snob factor is getting up there. Plenty of cult wineries that are impossible to get in. In Bordeaux, I can count on 1 hand the places that I cannot get in. In Napa, both hands and legs.
So far, I have reservations at 3 super seconds and can confirm one more, but I'm not too crazy about their wine. Reading through tripadvisors, it seems like you can get a good deal at these chateau, but you have to deal with shipping and stuff.
I don't like the right bank blends. Too much merlot for my taste.
Cult/boutique wineries also have lower budgets and price of grapes/ton is almost as much as my mortgage. I had no issues in January. Only a few places never got back to us. Granted, I was with another sommelier so that did help to open doors.
Merlot is wonderful and one of the few grapes that isn't $$$ from Napa.
Sad how Sideways ruined Merlot, and how a lot of people still look down on it. (not saying that's the case with you though)
On the other hand, it's better for my bank account!