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Cult California

It is nearly impossible to know who coined the term “Cult Wine” nor when it was coined. The precise definition of the term has been debated for years. That debate seems to be an established pastime among wine writers, in wine publications, on blogs, at online wine forums, and among enthusiasts. What can be said with assurance is that “Cult Wines” exist, they are among us and they are coveted. We decided it was time to create our own WineBid Cult California category, and we found that Cult Wines all seem to have the following qualitites.

1. Current and past vintages all sell for prices higher than the winery release price
2. They are wines that have regularly received very high ratings and glowing reviews from wine critics
3. The wines are sold almost exclusively from the wineries directly to consumers.
4. There is almost always a waiting list to be able to obtain an allocation of the wine.

Enjoy the following Cult Wines available in this week's auction below.

1999 Bond Matriarch

WS  93   
RP  91   
3 available
Bid *

1999 Bond Matriarch

Light label condition issue

WS  93   
RP  91   

1998 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

RP  93   
ST  91   

1999 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; very top shoulder fill; light label condition issue

ST  96   
RP  95   

1998 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Label condition issue

RP  90   

1992 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; base neck fill; light label condition issue

RP  95   
WS  92   

1992 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

Signs of past seepage; label condition issue

RP  95   
WS  92   

1994 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

Light label condition issue

RP  94   
WS  94   
3 available
Bid *

1996 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

Label condition issue

WS  95   
RP  93   
ST  92+    

1999 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

Light label condition issue

WS  95   
RP  94   
ST  93+    

1999 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

Light label condition issue

WS  95   
RP  94   
ST  93+    

1996 Dalla Valle Maya

RP  96   
ST  95   
WS  92   

1999 Dalla Valle Maya

Lightly depressed cork

RP  97+    
ST  96   
WS  95   

1999 Dalla Valle Maya

6.0ltr

Etched bottle

RP  97+    
ST  96   
WS  95   

1994 Harlan Estate

RP  100   
ST  96   
WS  95   
8 available
Bid *

1997 Harlan Estate

Light label condition issue

RP  100   
WS  97   
ST  97   

1999 Harlan Estate

6-bottle Lot, Wood Case

Base neck fill

WS  95   
ST  95+    
RP  92   
JR  18   

1995 Harlan Estate The Maiden

RP  90   
ST  90   

1998 Harlan Estate The Maiden

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

RP  91   
WS  91   
ST  90   

1998 Harlan Estate The Maiden

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

RP  91   
WS  91   
ST  90   

1999 Marcassin Alexander Mountain Estate Upper Barn Chardonnay

Light label condition issue

WS  97   
RP  95   
2 available
Bid *

1999 Marcassin Alexander Mountain Estate Upper Barn Chardonnay

Capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork

WS  97   
RP  95   

1999 Marcassin Blue Slide Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir

RP  98   
WS  92   
ST  90   
2 available
Bid *

1996 Marcassin Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

RP  96   
WS  96   
ST  93+    

1997 Marcassin Three Sisters Vineyard Sea Ridge Meadow Pinot Noir

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; light label condition issue