Napa Valley is the leading region in California, but the prices of those wines have been skyrocketing. As a result, sorting through Napa wines that deliver high quality and value has been our mission. In addition, savvy consumers have been seeking out other regions in the Golden State to find value. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the best quality and value red wines we’ve tasted recently.
2021 Erikson & Caradin Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
A striking example of Napa Valley excellence, the 2021 Erikson & Caradin Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a showcase of precision, depth, and refinement. Crafted from carefully selected vineyard parcels and made in limited quantities, this Reserve bottling reflects the purest expression of the vintage. Layers of dark blackberry, cassis, and cocoa unfold with remarkable clarity, supported by fine tannins and elegant oak integration. This is a powerful yet poised Cabernet that captures the essence of Erikson & Caradin’s meticulous winemaking and Napa’s world-class terroir..
2021 La Ca Nova Barbaresco DOCG
Barbaresco may live in the shadow of its bolder cousin Barolo, but for true Italian wine aficionados, it’s a treasure — and the 2021 La Ca' Nova Barbaresco DOCG proves exactly why. From one of the most respected traditional producers in Piedmont, this wine captures Nebbiolo’s full expression: ethereal aromatics, precise structure, and a harmony of red cherry, rose petals, and dried herbs. It's elegant yet firm, with beautifully integrated tannins and a long, refined finish. Crafted with the same dedication that has earned La Ca' Nova cult status among insiders, this is classic Barbaresco at a value that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking to experience the soul of Piedmont in a glass, this bottle delivers.
2022 Jean Hoefliger Collide Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Jean Hoefliger may not be a name you recognize, but you most likely have heard of Alpha Omega which is a winery he helped put on the map with his opulent and precise style of winemaking. Jean is from Switzerland and trained at none other than Chateau Lynch Bages. This brand was originally launched by Mark Herold and now Jean carries on its legacy. For those in the know, Alexander Valley is an excellent alternative and the place to find excellent value given the ever-escalating price of Napa Cabs.
2021 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Where does one find Cabernet Sauvignon value? Napa adjacent vineyards like this estate wine from Alexander Valley would easily cost $80-120/bottle if it had a Napa AVA label on it. This wine is fresh, pure, and just delicious. Stunning aromas of black currant, tobacco leaf, black cherry, olive, white sage, blackberry liqueur and sweet French oak. Though lush and soft on the palate, drink now or age for 5-8 years.
2022 Dolum Cask 28 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley continues the tradition of exceptional quality, with the Dolum Cask 28 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap District standing out as a prime example. This vintage showcases the region’s renowned terroir, delivering a rich and powerful Cabernet with layered complexity and depth. Crafted by dedicated winemakers, the 2022 Dolum Cask 28 is a bold and elegant expression of Stags Leap’s legendary Cabernet Sauvignon legacy.
2019 Sling & Spear Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
This wine is a standout from the talented Sling & Spear team, and it’s quickly become a favorite among our clients. It’s a perfect go-to Cabernet that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes—from grilled steaks to roasted vegetables. Why? Because it balances rich fruit flavors with subtle oak influence, letting the ripe blackberry and cassis notes shine. With smooth tannins and a lingering finish, this wine is approachable yet complex. Serve slightly chilled or at cellar temperature to fully enjoy the depth and elegance Napa Valley is known for.
2022 The Beau Vigne Collection ICON Proprietary Red Napa Valley
This exceptional Napa Valley red blend showcases the best of the region’s fruit, combining power and elegance in every sip. The 2022 vintage is already showing great balance and depth, with dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice, making it a real standout. It’s in its prime drinking window, and the best part? You’re getting it at an incredible price—50% off the winery’s price. Whether you're enjoying it now or cellaring it for later, you’ll be bragging to your friends about the deal you snagged!
2017 Shannon Ridge Ovis Petite Sirah
If you’re having people over or a holiday party, or if you just like no fuss wines that offer bright fruit and pair perfectly with an impromptu BBQ, this is your jam. Petite Sirah has its own dedicated fandom and once you taste this wine, you’ll understand why. We don’t carry a lot of Petite Sirah, but this is a recurring winner. Every time this wine comes in stock, it sells out quickly.
2017 Mario Schiopetto 'Podere dei Blumeri' Rosso Venezia Giulia IGT
Mario Schiopetto is a name revered in Friuli for redefining what Italian white wines could be—but don’t overlook his reds. The 2017 'Podere dei Blumeri' Rosso is a hidden gem from Venezia Giulia, blending Merlot and Refosco in a way that showcases finesse, structure, and regional character. This boutique bottling delivers deep red and black fruit, hints of spice, and a subtle earthy undertone that reflects its northern Italian roots. With beautifully polished tannins and a savory finish, it’s a sophisticated, under-the-radar red from a master of precision winemaking. If you’re a fan of unique Italian blends and wines with a sense of place, Blumeri belongs in your glass.
2021 Acumen Mountainside Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
A rising star from Atlas Peak, this 94-point Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted by Phillip Titus, the legendary winemaker behind Chappellet. Grown in high-elevation vineyards with volcanic soils, it delivers bold structure, fine-tuned elegance, and remarkable depth.
2021 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Amber Block Starr Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
From Alexander Valley’s historic Stuhlmuller Vineyards, which supplies top wineries like Silver Oak & Aperture, this estate-crafted Pinot Noir is made by Zac Childers (Torbreck, J Vineyards). Whole cluster fermentation, indigenous yeasts, and 16 months in French oak create a pure, terroir-driven expression—elegant, vibrant, and unfiltered.
2019 Armida Winery Maple Vineyards Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
Harvested from heritage vines planted in the heart of Dry Creek Valley, this Zinfandel showcases the essence of the famed Maple Vineyards. Hand-picked and carefully sorted, the grapes were fermented in small open-top tanks with native yeasts to express site purity. After a gentle punch-down regimen and extended maceration, the wine was basket-pressed and aged for 14 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered to preserve its bold structure and vibrant fruit, this Zinfandel bursts with layers of blackberry compote, spice, and a hint of toasted vanilla, finishing with balance and depth.
Want to Try A Bottle of Each of the Top 12 California Wines under $50?
Buy them in a 12-bottle case here. Plus, we will throw in 2 more bottles of California Reds under $50. Grab this collection of 12 handpicked bottles, curated by BHW’s Founder, now!
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