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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.

1990 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

1.5ltr

RP  93   
WS  93   

1993 Dalla Valle Maya

1.5ltr

Light capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork

RP  98   
WS  93   

1996 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

3.0ltr

Light writing on label

RP  97   
WS  94   
ST  93   

1996 Dalla Valle Maya

6.0ltr

Etched bottle

RP  96   
ST  95   
WS  92   

1997 Dalla Valle Maya

6.0ltr

RP  99   
ST  95+    

1998 Harlan Estate

1-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

RP  95   
WS  92   
ST  92   

1998 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

1.5ltr

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue; light writing on label

RP  90   

1998 Dalla Valle Maya

1.5ltr

Light label condition issue

RP  95   
WS  93   
ST  93   

1998 Dalla Valle Maya

1.5ltr

RP  95   
WS  93   
ST  93   

1999 Dalla Valle Maya

1.5ltr

RP  97+    
ST  96   
WS  95   

1999 Dalla Valle Maya

6.0ltr

Etched bottle

RP  97+    
ST  96   
WS  95   

2000 Harlan Estate

1.5ltr

WE  98   
WS  94   
ST  93-96   
RP  91   

2001 Harlan Estate

2-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

RP  100   
WS  96   
ST  96   

2003 Bond Melbury

1.5ltr

RP  97   
WE  94   
ST  93   
WS  90   

2003 Bond Pluribus

1.5ltr

RP  98   
ST  93   

2003 Bond St. Eden

1.5ltr

WE  96   
RP  94   
ST  93+    
WS  91   

2003 Bond St. Eden

1.5ltr

WE  96   
RP  94   
ST  93+    
WS  91   

2003 Bond Vecina

1.5ltr

RP  96+    
WE  96   
ST  93+    

2003 Grace Family Blank Cabernet Sauvignon

6.0ltr

Etched bottle

2004 Bond Magnum 4 Pack

4-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

2004 Realm Farella Vineyard Red Wine

1.5ltr

ST  92+    
RP  91   

2004 Grace Family Blank Cabernet Sauvignon

6.0ltr

Etched bottle

2005 Sine Qua Non Atlantis Grenache/Syrah

2-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

See item details for bottle notes

2006 Harlan Estate

1.5ltr

ST  97   
RP  96   
WS  94   
WE  94   

2006 Bond Melbury

1.5ltr

ST  93+    
RP  92-94   
WS  92