What is a cult wine?

Originating in California’s Napa Valley, cult wines were born in the 1990s, alongside the garage wines of Bordeaux.

They are characterized by their exceptional quality, their rarity, but above all their often exorbitant price.

Collectors and connoisseurs devote a veritable cult following to these wines. Intended more for investment than consumption, cult wines are immensely coveted, and the subject of much financial speculation. Considered collectible trophies, these wines are as extraordinary as they are ostentatious. Around them, a typically American fetish reigns.

And it’s the particularly high prices and speculation that make these fabulous wines cult wines. Several winegrowers tell us that below a certain price, buyers don’t come forward.

Initially, the term cult wines was used to refer in particular to Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. This famous Californian wine region is planted with Bordeaux grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Lhe equivalent of cult wines in France can correspond to Bordeaux’s finest crus. Every stage of the winemaking process is meticulously cared for to ensure impeccable quality: meticulous work in the vineyards, rigorous selection of berries, meticulous vinification and ageing.

These are confidential cuvées produced in limited quantities.

Cult wines are often made from tiny, exceptional plots of land belonging to a generation of owners (philanthropists, celebrities, businessmen or women, etc.) or winegrowers who have been established since the 1990s.

Mythical cult wines

The Screaming Eagle house

Screaming Eagle was created by Jean Philips, then a real estate agent, in 1986. Initially a supplier of grapes to the wine trade, Jean began making his own wine, seeking advice from the famous winemaker Richard Peterson and his illustrious daughter, Heidi Barrett.

The estate’s first vintage already announced the color. Rated 99/100 by Robert Parker in 1995, the 1992 vintage left a lasting impression and introduced the estate to the annals of Napa Valley.

Aromatic, complex and powerful, the wines have all the qualities sought after by connoisseurs of Cabernet Sauvignon.

With tasting notes bordering on perfection and phenomenal success, the vineyard has managed to retain its original values.

Opus One

Baron Philippe de Rothschild teams up with American winemaker Robert Mondavi to produce an exceptional wine worthy of the great Bordeaux crus. Together, they founded the Opus One estate, but not without a few hitches. The dedication of these two great men has given birth to an exceptional wine that has become a legend.

Opus One is a refined, exuberant wine with an irresistible personality. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet franc and Malbec, its aromatic complexity makes it an unforgettable taste experience.

Bryant Winery

Bryant Winery was founded by businessman Donald Bryant Jr. and his wife Barbara Bryant. Planted exclusively with Cabernet Sauvignon, the vineyard quickly established itself as a Napa Valley leader. Its remarkable terroir enables it to produce great wines. The 1995, 1996 and 1997 vintages were rated 99/100, 99/100 and 100/100 respectively by Robert Parker. Accompanied by a talented and passionate team, the estate has a flawless track record.

Harlan Estate

An iconic estate founded by Bill Harlan in 1984 and taken over by his son in 2021, Harlan Estate is situated above the legendary Oakville Benchlands, benefiting from extraordinary terroir and biodiversity. Demonstrating great mastery, the vineyard’s ambition was to create a haute-couture wine. Particularly acclaimed by top tasters, its inestimable qualities have made it a Napa Valley icon.

In addition, Michel Rolland, the famous Bordeaux oenologist, has been working on the estate as a consultant since 1989.