$50

[oostexan]

Dan Duckhorn makes good wine, but I think there are bottles that are very competitive for the price. Generally speaking, you might want stay away from the 2000 vintage of Cali Cab unless you have the opportunity to taste it. Once again, this is generally speaking.

I have not bought Duckhorn in a while, but I will assume you have 50 bucks burning a hole in your pocket and you want a Cali Cab or blend.

If I were you, I would look at current bottlings of:

Peter Franus Cabernet
Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet
Larkmead Cabernet
Flora Springs Trilogy (a Bordeaux blend that retails at 60)

If you want to try something a little different that really wakes up your taste buds, look at Syrah bottlings from Ojai, JC Cellars, Novy or Pax. All have cuvees in the 50 dollar range that offer a very interesting change of pace. Believe me, your family and friends will enjoy it.