Very interested newbie has many questions!!

[Innkeeper]

Hi Bob and welcome to the Wine Board. No, no, yes, yes. Here are some details.

Although we try to not be lead by ratings, most people who rate wines know what they are drinking. If it is a blind tasting, they will always mention it.

Although we are big fans of QPR wines, and are always looking for bargains, there are very few if any $9 Cabs that are as good as $79 ones.

Although WW on this Board will defer to some Cal Cab, I would much rather put that kind of money into the current release of 2d or 3d Growth Bordeaux, unless the vintage is really bad which does happen. Many, but certainly not all Cal Cabs are being harvested much too late and with huge lack of balance including acid and PH, that they don't have a chance to age much.

Second labels are very frequently good if not excellent values. Rather than being inferior grapes, they are more frequently grapes from younger vines. Even in the old vineyards of Europe, new vines have to be planted all the time. Obviously the second labels of the top producers are better than others.