Darioush is now charging $95 for their '09 cab bottling.

So I add one more winery to the long list of wines "I used to drink" but which have lost their affordability. That's two in one week! Chimney Rock made the list on Tuesday----though they were an honorable mention already.

I can only assume the wineries must have a strong enough market somewhere---be it restaurants, Asia, Timbuktu---- where price is not a factor----that they can alienate the winedrinkers who supported their product for several vintages. I didn't see a lot of people filling out purchase cards for Chimney Rock at their sponsored winedinner so the market is not the folks like me who enjoy well crafted wine for their home.

At least I am thankful I have lots of previous vintages from the same producers which now want stratospheric prices cellared for future enjoyment. But I wonder where does it end? And does it end ugly in a fiery crash or a government bailout some day?

Ardeis in Seminole

quote:

Darioush

Unfortunately Darioush has been overpriced (and overrated?) for awhile - even for a Napa cabernet. Better cabs out there at half the price IMHO.

I did a industry tasting at Darioush last November....After about the 3rd wine, my lips were numb with alcohol and I think I dribbled a little bit on my shirt. I could have gone to the dentist when I left there.

quote:

Originally posted by Ardeis:
And does it end ugly in a fiery crash or a government bailout some day?

Ardeis in Seminole

Hopefully a fiery crash with an overabundance of good wine at cheap prices. Although the government does have a talent for keeping things artificially expensive and sustaining things that don't deserve it, wouldn't put it past em.

If any outstanding QPR cab/cab blends/pinots come to mind, send the list my way. Don't get out to winetastings as much as I used to with two young girls in family now.

Just seems so many labels keep ratching their cost up each year.

Darioush ... ahhh, thank you for reminding me of those mistakes that I have sitting at my offsite. A couple '04's and '05's, and a single '04 Hillside.

can't wait to get to those before they're over the hill, if they're not already. I loved them 5 or 6 years back, when I bought them, but I've gravitated away from that style. Hopefully they're not horrible. {sigh}

quote:

Unfortunately Darioush has ALWAYS been overpriced ( and overrated?) for awhile- even for a Napa cabernet.

Small edits.

He spent a lot of money building that winery and he's got to recoup it.

quote:

Originally posted by Ardeis:
If any outstanding QPR cab/cab blends/pinots come to mind, send the list my way. Don't get out to winetastings as much as I used to with two young girls in family now.

Just seems so many labels keep ratching their cost up each year.

A few come to mind that blow Darioush out of the water:

- Ridge Estate Cab. ($39.99)

- Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains blend ($35)

- Ridge Estate Merlot ($39.99, fruit sourced from Monte Bello)

- Heitz Napa Cab. ($39.99-44.99)

- Keenan Spring Mountain Cab. ($35)

quote:

Originally posted by GregT:

quote:

Unfortunately Darioush has ALWAYS been overpriced ( and overrated?) for awhile- even for a Napa cabernet.

Small edits.

He spent a lot of money building that winery and he's got to recoup it.

+1 for both of you.

They have to pay for that garish building.

quote:

Originally posted by GregT:

quote:

Unfortunately Darioush has ALWAYS been overpriced ( and overrated?) for awhile- even for a Napa cabernet.

Small edits.

He spent a lot of money building that winery and he's got to recoup it.

LOL!