Collecting In The Inflation Age: The Best Wines Under $100
At the pump, in the grocery store, and at the mall - prices are continuing to rise. A collectible bottle of wine can run you triple digits, but it doesn't have to! I've done the R&D for you, so let's dive into seven wines I recommend buying and watch the magic unfold as they age in your cellar for years to come.
Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon Soil Specific 2020 (SRP: $75): Find me the resumé of a winemaker that is more impressive than Jesse Katz. Go on, I dare you. He worked at Screaming Eagle and Château Petrus. He was the youngest head winemaker in the U.S. when he started at Lancaster Estate. Jesse was the first winemaker ever to be included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He's also a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, and was named a Wine Spectator “Rising Star.” Not to mention the record-breaking $1 Million bottle of California Cabernet Sauvignon he produced. Aperture Cellars was established in 2009 in Sonoma's Alexander Valley. Co-Founded with his father Andy, a revered photographer, Jesse set out to showcase the brilliance of the region. His work has helped Alexander Valley transform into the go-to California region for Cabernet. aperture-cellars.com
Gut Oggau Joschuari Rot 2020 (SRP: $88):Stephanie & Eduard Tscheppe are a biodynamic force to be reckoned with! Their wine production centered in Burgenland, Austria has become a siren for the natural wine movement while also appealing to traditionalists and collectors alike. Gut Oggau wine labels depict the family, from children all the way to their parents. Joschuari, a parent and heir to Gut Oggau, is sourced from vineyards that get more direct sunlight and produce more powerful and age worthy wines. Find the entire family wine tree here. Get ready to learn the brilliance of Blaufränkisch, which acts sort of like Pinot Noir and Syrah had a baby. gutoggau.com
Courtesy of Ornellaia
Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 2020 (SRP: $82): Made with the same passion and attention to detail as Ornellaia’s flagship wine, Le Serre Nuove, is the first Italian wine ever to be called a ‘second vin’. This follows in the footsteps of Classified First Growths from Bordeaux, and has become a tradition by top wineries all over the world. The blend is comprised of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The goal is to find approachability intertwined with its incredible structure, which gives the wine the potential to age for years. The Super Tuscan is sourced from vineyards in the the coastal village of Bolgheri, which has become a beacon for attracting top wine collectors. ornellaia.com
Courtesy of Meerlust
Meerlust Rubicon 2018 (SRP $40): Similar to the popular Super Tuscan style in Italy, Rubicon is the product of pushing the boundaries of Bordeaux-styled wines to be produced outside of Bordeaux, France. The family has been rooted in Stellenbosch, South Africa since 1756, establishing generations deep of premier winemaking and innovation. A trip to Bordeaux in the 1970’s inspired Nico Myburgh, Meerlust's seventh generation owner, to pioneer the Cape’s first Bordeaux blend in 1980. It changed an entire generation's view of Cabernet Sauvignon and blending, starting a new chapter for South Africa's wine industry. Throw a case in your cellar and enjoy it over the next 20-30 years in wonderment! meerlust.co.za
Château d'Issan Margaux 2016 (SRP $85): The property at Château d'Issan traces back to the 12th Century, and was pronounced one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus (Third Growths) in the historic Bordeaux Classification of 1855. This sort of history doesn’t run cheap in Bordeaux, so cherish the opportunity to dive into an age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon dominant wine from Margaux. This wine can easily cellar for 15-25 years. chateau-issan.com
La Spinetta Barolo Garretti 2018 (SRP $75): La Spinetta first established themselves as top producers of Moscato d'Asti, a famous bubbly sweet wine from Piemonte, Italy. As time went on, owner and winemaker Giorgio Rivetti's attention moved towards a focus on the famous red wines of the area: Barolo & Barbaresco. Their Cru Garretti bottling is made from 100% Nebbiolo, one of the most age worthy grapes grown on the planet. It's tannic structure and great natural acidity makes it a culinary delight and provides decades of life in your cellar. I wouldn't open the first bottle for about 10 years, then you'll have another 30 years ahead of you to pop corks and enjoy the tar & roses, cherry fruit, and crushed violets that will hypnotize your palate. la-spinetta.com
Courtesy of Marqués de Riscal
Marqués de Riscal Barón de Chirel Reserva 2017 (SRP $75): The Barón de Chirel Reserva showcases the identity, tradition and modernity of Rioja. Made from vines aged between 80 and 110 years old, this bottling truly has the bones to live for decades to come. The cuvée has been produced since 1986, when Marqués de Riscal noticed the world paying closer attention to fine quality wines from Rioja. Aged 22 months in French allier barrels then an additional 20 months in bottle before release, Barón de Chirel will dazzle you with lamb chops, a dry aged rib-eye, or while watching the next match between FC Barcelona & FC Madrid. marquesderiscal.com