Recommendations for pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon?

For Pinot, try King Estate or Elk Cove from Oregon. They seem to be available everywhere and are consistently good.

George

 

If you want a cab that is well under your price ceiling but still has some traits that only the bigger $$ bottles offer, look for a McManis. If you can find one, just grab a bottle to try - the gamble won't cost you much and you just might find something special.

p.s.: I'm in no way affiliated, but I've enjoyed their cabs & found them incredible for the price. Now if only I could get SOMEBODY in my little neck of the woods to carry them!

 

Ridge Lytton Springs '05 or '06 is different but something that might work for you.

 

+1 on the McManis as well.

 

As a general rule, I recommend Cabs from Napa. 2005, was a good year. Any year but 2000. It's easier to remember just Napa at restaurants or store when looking at wines.

"Napa, not 2000"; is all you have to remember.

I'm not a fan of Pinot, but I have had a few from France that I liked. I avoid domestic Pinot, so I can't help you.

 

Pinot Noir: Amayna from Chile.

Amazing, powerful nose with leather aromas, complex mouth lasting for at least 10 seconds, almost opaque so a lot of extraction for such a varietal.


Cabernet Sauvignon: Rustenberg John X Merriman Stellenbosch from South Africa.

Cabernet Sauvignon is touchy, the best of the best are from Bordeaux ( like the very best Pinot Noir are from Bourgogne ) but they are so expensive and it is rare to find cheap bottles that can approach the very best so here one exceptional find with this Rustenberg, this one can give you an idea of what a great Cabernet Sauvignon can taste. Great nose with full palate sensation, very deep able to age and to become more complex.

Hope you will find them.