Do research, then invest in 2013 California Cabs

Best wishes to one and all for a wonderful 2018. Even in the face of turmoil worldwide, I am an optimist. Given this bias, I also think it is always wise to hedge one's bets. Fortunately, you, my loyal and informed readers have the perfect hedge. Careful purchase and storage of well-chosen wine can often reap large rewards over time. Investors who are judicious will normally see large returns on resale, and the downside is having wonderful wine that is properly aged to consume. Please keep in mind that as with most investments, these take care and some degree of work. If you are prudent and husband your choices well, you will definitely be rewarded. With that in mind, I will start the year with some well-chosen recommendations to start or enhance your cellar.

Those who enjoy Cali Cabs should be trolling through the 2013s. While 2012, '13 and '14 have all been heralded as stellar, the 2013s are best for speculation. Most of the recently released vintages are well structured, tight and focused. Names to research are, from Napa: Lewis Hillstone; Schrader's Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard MMXIII aka Old Sparky, and Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Colesworthy – note the last two are only produced in magnums. Don't let that stop you. Top-quality large bottle formats are more valuable, plus they reach maturity more quickly.

Others are the "round up the likely suspects": Caymus Special Select; Shafer Hillside Select; Colgin IX; and Lewis, Harlan and Tor. If you sample most of this long-lived vintage now, unless you are extremely sensitive they will not show well. Like most wines employing vinification method, these are shutting down. In the parlance, they're "dumbing down," whereby they go through a lengthy dormant period when the bouquet, tannin and flavors are out of whack. It is during this hiatus that these quality products meld from youthful vigor to well-balanced, lovely wines. Most of these are a tad expensive. You noted I did not place Screaming Seagull and its ilk. Big-buck buckaroos can email me for those. I can't bring myself to recommend today's vintage wine at $2K/bottle.

Those who are in the market for cellar Cabs which are more affordable should winnow through the 2013s looking for those from Paso Robles and Sonoma. Sonoma Cabs had their best overall rating of 91-92 in 2012 and '13. Few of these will gain much financial value in your cellar, but most will show substantial gains in quality. These are great value: Rodney Strong Alexander Valley $20; Dry Creek Vineyard $25; Mossback Chalk Hill $25; Ferrari Carano Prevail Back Forty (blend Syrah) $76. Barbara and I loved this. Very slightly better than the 2012; Francis Ford Coppola Archimedes $60. Jordan, Rafanelli and Silver Oak are perennial value winners and those in the know who want big-buck value Cabernet look toward Ridge Monte Bello and Kathryn Kennedy (came on Feb. 14 at $119, selling at $200); compares to Old Sparky at $1,205 December 2014, now $683. With the Beckstoffer you were paying way up for To Kalon grapes and a bunch of critical hoopla. Blind taste these side by side and you make the call. Really wise value buyers will look into the Quilceda Creek Cabernet of the Columbia Valley, 95 points, $233, not their CVR. The next best Columbia Valleys are 93-point Betts Family and Corliss 93 points, both about $80, and 94-point Cab/Shiraz Charles Smith King Coal, $97 rounds these out.

Always remember the best-made Cali chardonnay is also excellent for cellaring. Nearly all top-line Chardonnay is consumed before it is ready to drink. Do yourself a huge favor if you are a Chardonnay lover. Pony up for 95-point Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014 around $75 or Matinelli 3 Sisters 2013, 95 McD, better buy under $70, a bit tougher to get though. Window is now through 2023 at least. Also try Roa Sierra Mar Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands) 2014, 93 McD under $50 now through 2023. Lemon curd, white flowers and crushed gravel bouquet, medium-bodied, crisp, acidity supports the bouquet. Finishes long and cleanly. The perfect vintage here was 2010. Try to find some.

Use your local wine shop pals as resources. You will find them cooperative if you are patient. See you in the market.