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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.

2017 VASO Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Ultramarine Keefer Ranch Blanc de Blancs

Disgorged 11/2023

2019 Ultramarine Hirsch Vineyard Rosé

2018 Ultramarine Heintz Vineyard Blanc de Noirs

Light label condition issue

2018 Ultramarine Heintz Vineyard Blanc de Noirs

Disgorged 4/10/23

2018 Ultramarine Heintz Vineyard Blanc de Noirs

Light label condition issue; disgorged 4/10/23

2020 The Third Twin Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo

5-bottle Lot, Wood Case

WA  98   
VN  97   

2014 The Third Twin Graciano

WA  97+    
JD  97   

2014 The Third Twin Graciano

WA  97+    
JD  97   

2014-2015 The Third Twin Graciano

4-bottle Vertical, Wood Case

2018-2019 The Third Twin Graciano

4-bottle Vertical, Wood Case

2016 Tesseron Estate Pym Rae

JS  98   
WA  97   

2016 Tesseron Estate Pym Rae

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

JS  98   
WA  97   

2017 Tesseron Estate Pym Rae

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

WA  97   
JS  97   
JD  96   

2018 Tesseron Estate Pym Rae

3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

JD  99   
WA  98+    
JS  97   
JR  16.5   

2002 Sloan Proprietary Red

Light capsule condition issue; label condition issue

RP  100   
WE  100   
WS  99   
ST  94   

2002 Sloan Proprietary Red

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

RP  100   
WE  100   
WS  99   
ST  94   

2007 Sloan Proprietary Red

Light label condition issue

RP  100   
ST  96   

2018 Sloan Proprietary Red

Lightly elevated cork

JD  99   
WA  98+    
VN  96-98+    

2017 Sloan Asterisk

Light label condition issue

JS  94   
JD  94   
WA  91   
VN  90   

2017 Sloan Asterisk

Light label condition issue

JS  94   
JD  94   
WA  91   
VN  90   

2018 Sloan Asterisk

JD  95+    
WA  91   

2018 Sloan Asterisk

Lightly depressed cork

JD  95+    
WA  91   

2009 Sine Qua Non Turn The Whole Thing Upside Down

WA  96   
VN  96   
JR  17   

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

WA  97   
WS  95   
ST  95