A Good Cab'

[mrags]

Can anyone recommend a good Cabernet to send to say "thanks" to people in my professional sphere of influence who helped me start my new career??? I'm looking to spend about $20 per bottle. HELP!!! THanks.

[Innkeeper]

It is sort of like trying to decide which cookie to take out of the jar. Actually, it may be a little more difficult. You are certainly going to want one you can open shortly after getting it home. Most current vintages in the $20.00 range are meant to be laid down for at least a little while. This means you would have to either get a cheaper, more approachable current vintage, or an older vintage. You would have to find a large, usually metropolitan, wine/liquor store to find the latter. Scroll down the Wine Board to Cabernet Sauvignon and click on it. Then go to the upper right part of the page and click on "go." Select, last 100 days. You will find dozens of great selections there.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 05-16-2000).]

[winecollector]

This is a little higher in price, but it may be closer to what your looking for. I just picked up a bottle of Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon on recommendation from a local wine guru. He says it's made by the same people that make Insignia, which is a rather expensive wine at $100+. I paid about $29 for the Phelps Cab back here in PA, so maybe you can get it cheaper on the west coast.

My wine guru friend says this can be drunk now, or you can lay it down for as long as you want. He also says its personally his favorite winery, and that all their wines across the board are quality wines.

[This message has been edited by winecollector (edited 05-17-2000).]

[Caesar]

My personnal choice would be Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.00 in NC). It's still a little tannic, but very approachable. This is not only a solid wine, but a beautiful label, as well(only comes to mind at gift-giving time). Enjoy!!

[winoweenie]

All of the answers you`ve received a solid choices. For a further overview, I`ll suggest you look at wines from the current very fine vintage 1997. This will give you tons of choices. Try the Raymond Reserve,Lyeth Meritage( Great Packaging ),Truchard Carneros, Mondavi Rutherford, B.V. Rutherford,Chalk Hill, etc.They are meeny and good. Ask your friendly wine merchant. Winoweenie