1996 Cult CA Cab Tasting -- Are they worth the bucks?

[Randy Caparoso]

You guys don't get it. Of course, I acknowledge that I may have been a bit obtuse. My points were that

1. Great wines tasted together don't always taste so great. Doesn't matter what they are -- DRCs, 1er grand crus Bordeaux, the heavy-hitter California Cabs. The best and most descriminating palates in the world start to take potshots at wines which, tasted by themselves, would impress anyone. Quality assessments are always relative; which is the natural pitfall of blind side-by-side tastings.

2. I'm suggesting that consumers are less likely to feel the need to buy overpriced wines (thus, driving the prices up even further) if they diversify their tastes. This has nothing to do with Bucko's personal tastes. It's a comment on the overall market. I'm afraid you've misconstrued some very broad observations as comments on his tastes and ability to taste.

In any case, I personally may not drink these top shelf Cabernets. I refuse to play the game. But I recognize the fact that certain reliable sources consider them to be be very, very good. Fact is, I also think highly of them. But what I think doesn't really matter in the overall scheme of things, doesn't it? They're going to sell well, and for very high prices, with or without my (or Bucko's) benediction!

[This message has been edited by Randy Caparoso (edited 06-04-2000).]