BrennerBrief.com names Chanin among new “cult wines”

A future California cult wines list…
March 20, 2014 By Ilona Thompson

“The true worth of a man is to be measured by the objects he pursues” – Marcus Aurelius

Wikipedia’s definition of cult wines reads: “Cult wines are those for which dedicated groups of committed enthusiasts will pay large sums of money.” Such a California cult wines list would include Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Colgin, Bryant, Araujo, Dalla Valle, Scarecrow, and a few others. The consumers that were savvy enough to get on the mailing lists before the critical accolades were able to purchase these wines at release prices, or even re-sell these wines at a hefty profit at auction.

By the time a wine achieves a cult status it often becomes unattainable. Enthusiasts that discover cult wine too late face long waiting lists and/or very high prices on the secondary market. The secret is to get ahead of the curve and get on the mailing list for wines that haven’t yet achieved cult status.

Here are some very distinct Pinots and Cabarnet blends that will make it on a California cult wine list in the near future. The list includes half a dozen Pinot Noir and Cabernet producers. They were chosen based on the track record of the winemaker, the vineyards’ reputation, and viticulturalists’ skills. To my knowledge, all but one of these mailing lists is still open. It won’t stay that way for long!

Pinot Noir

Chanin

Winemaker Gavin Chanin is a rising star, who has earned critical and sommelier acclaim by crafting wines of elegance, varietal purity and restraint. He began his winemaking career as an intern at Au Bon Climat and Qupé, and counts Jim Clendenen and Bob Lindquist as his mentors. His brand launched in 2007 with offerings selling in record time.