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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 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon

Light label condition issue

WA  97   
WS  97   
CT  96.3   
ST  93   
JR  17   

2004 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

RP  97   
WS  94   
ST  94   

2017 Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc

WA  98   
JD  91   

2006-2009 Screaming Eagle Second Flight

8-bottle Vertical, Wood Case

2021 Screaming Eagle The Flight

DE  99   
JS  98   
VN  95-97   
JD  93-95   

2015 Screaming Eagle The Flight

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

JS  98   
WA  97   
VN  95   

2016 Screaming Eagle The Flight

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

JS  99   
VN  98   
WA  97+    
JD  96   

2021 Screaming Eagle The Flight

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

DE  99   
JS  98   
VN  95-97   
JD  93-95   

1997 Harlan Estate

Base neck fill; light label condition issue

RP  100   
WS  97   
ST  97   

1997 Harlan Estate

Light label condition issue

RP  100   
WS  97   
ST  97   

1998 Harlan Estate

Light label condition issue

RP  95   
WS  92   
ST  92   

1999 Harlan Estate

Label condition issue

WS  95   
ST  95+    
RP  92   
JR  18   

2000 Harlan Estate

WE  98   
WS  94   
ST  93-96   
RP  91   

1999 Harlan Estate

1-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

WS  95   
ST  95+    
RP  92   
JR  18   

2017 Harlan Estate

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

WA  97+    
JS  97   
JD  97   
VN  96+    

2009 Harlan Estate The Maiden

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

WA  93   
CT  93.1   
WS  92   
ST  92+    

2014 Harlan Estate The Maiden

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

WA  95   
JD  95   
CT  93.8   
WS  93   

2021 Harlan Estate The Maiden

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

VN  94   

2005 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

Lightly depressed cork

RP  96   
WS  96   
ST  95   

2006 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

Lightly elevated cork

WS  96   
RP  94+    
ST  94   

2007 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

Light label condition issue; missing straw tie

RP  100   
WS  97   
ST  96   

2008 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

WS  96   
ST  94   
RP  93   

2008 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

Label condition issue

WS  96   
ST  94   
RP  93   

2009 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

ST  95   
WS  94   
WA  93   

2009 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

Lightly depressed cork

ST  95   
WS  94   
WA  93