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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.

2006 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon

1.5ltr

WA  98   
ST  95   
WS  91   

2000 Harlan Estate

1.5ltr

WE  98   
WS  94   
ST  93-96   
RP  91   

2001 Harlan Estate

1.5ltr

RP  100   
WS  96   
ST  96   

2002 Harlan Estate

1.5ltr

RP  100   
WS  99   
WE  99   
ST  97   
JR  19   

2006 Harlan Estate

1.5ltr

ST  97   
RP  96   
WS  94   
WE  94   

1998 Harlan Estate

1-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

RP  95   
WS  92   
ST  92   

2001 Harlan Estate

2-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

RP  100   
WS  96   
ST  96   

2016 Harlan Estate

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

WA  100   
JD  100   
VN  98+    

2018 Harlan Estate

2-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

JS  100   
WS  99   
VN  98+    
WA  97-100   
JD  97-99   
JR  18   

2018 Harlan Estate

2-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

JS  100   
WS  99   
VN  98+    
WA  97-100   
JD  97-99   
JR  18   

2019 Harlan Estate

2-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

WA  100   
WS  96   

2005 Sine Qua Non Atlantis Grenache/Syrah

2-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

See item details for bottle notes

2019 Sine Qua Non Distenta I Syrah

1.5ltr

WA  98+    
VN  98   
JD  98+    

2020 Sine Qua Non Distenta II

2-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

2020 Sine Qua Non Distenta II

2-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

2018 Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Vineyard Grenache

1.5ltr

JD  100   
WA  99   
VN  97+    

2013 Sine Qua Non Jusqu'à l'os Grenache

1.5ltr

WA  100   
JD  98   
VN  96+    

2015 Sine Qua Non Le Chemin Vers L'Heresie Grenache and Trouver L'Arene Syrah Magnum Case

2-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

2011 Sine Qua Non Next Of Kyn No. 5

4-bottle Mixed Lot, Wood Case, Multiple Sizes

WA  97   
VN  95   

2011 Sine Qua Non Patine Syrah & Grenache

2-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

2011 Sine Qua Non Patine Syrah & Grenache

2-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

2012 Sine Qua Non Stock Syrah

1.5ltr

WA  98   
VN  96   

2008 Sine Qua Non The Duel Grenache

1.5ltr

WA  97   
VN  95   
WS  92   

2009 Sine Qua Non This is Not an Exit 11 Confessions Vineyard Estate Syrah

1.5ltr

WA  97   
WS  95   
ST  95   

2007 Bond

5-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case, 1.5ltr