Now I'm a regular red wine drinker and belong to a couple of wine clubs, where the bottles average under $20 a bottle.
I did not discern enough of a difference between my sub $20 bottles and the $500+ bottles to consider any kind of a switch. Even if I had the means to purchase those more expensive bottles, I would probably choose wines in the price range I'm currently in.
This is an example of the law of diminishing returns. Once you get a quality product at a reasonable price, stop there. There is no benefit in seeking the more expensive products.
Case in point is my 2020 fully loaded Subaru Outback, Touring model. I paid just over $30K for it. Now I could easily afford a $60K or higher car. But why? It would not give me too much more luxury than I have now. I have the leather heated (and cooled) seats. The sunroof. The lane assist and other safety functions that a higher priced car would have. Above my car, I am only paying for the brand name (BMW, Mercedes, Lexus). Nothing those other cars have that I don't have already in my Outback.
Same goes for wine. Now yes, there are some $40-50 wines that I absolutely like to drink from time to time. But those $20 wines serve me just fine on an everyday basis. Above the $50 price point, I'm now just paying for the brand and label.
You pay $20 for a bottle of wine?
Who are you, Bill Grates or something?
The Mrs and I are case club members at von Stiehl.
A lot of awards, none of it expensive, and never had anything I didnt like.