Though less than half a century old, and remarkably young compared to its European counterparts, the wine industry in California has managed to enchant the country’s wine buying public as well as receive accolades from “across the pond.” This may be because of two realities. First is the undeniable quality of the wines—remarkably fruity, full and satisfying, rarely too austere or tannic to be savored from the first day. The second is the “buy American” angle. A very high number of American wine buyers simply prefer domestic to foreign wines.
The state plays host to an enormous range of microclimates and soils as well as a lot of sunshine, hot summer days and dry harvests. All these factors contribute to healthy ripe fruits that make European producers, in less dependable climates, green with envy. More than three out of every four years, California’s best sites produces excellent wines.
The U.S. is not protectionist when it comes to taxing imported wines compared to many other countries, but the California wine industry is inherently protected because of consumers wanting to buy American.
To most people, the Napa Valley is the home of California wine, and Cabernet is the clear king in Napa. Burgundy varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have moved to cooler areas, for the most part closer to the Pacific. This includes the western stretches of Sonoma County, the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, and the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez valleys of Santa Barbara County. In regions as contrasting as Mendocino County, the Sonoma coast, Carneros, Paso Robles, and Santa Maria Valley, Syrah vines have yielded interesting wines. Excellent Zinfandel is also produced all over the state and may be the only California wine emulated abroad.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 97 points: 97+ The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon 55% Slope comes from the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains. It is 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard planted at 1,700 feet. This is a remarkable wine and reminiscent of the great...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: This is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon from the famous historic site, with 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It startles in beauty and grace, with plenty of power and concentration. It's a charismatic...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: Looking at the two releases from Chappellet, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature is the larger production cuvee and sees 22 months in 50% new French oak. Its deep, inky color is followed by an incredibly pure bouquet of...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: This is slightly more opulent than other vintages of Mayacamas with tile, slate, dark fruits and flowers such as roses. Full body, firm and luscious tannins. Lots of sage and lavender undertones. Best ever from here?...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: Fabulous subtle aromas of black currants, violets and lilacs with a hot stone undertone. Full-bodied and dense, it shows such wonderful energy and synergy that delivers a firm yet gentle tannin backbone and complex...
Wine Spectator, 90 points: Pure, rich and firm, with an enticing core of blackberry, black olive, dill and herb flavors, ending with a cedary oak edge. Impressive for the mix of intensity and balance. Drink now through 2032. –JL
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 points: Woodbridge’s Midas touch with Cabernet Sauvignon also extends to his Pinot Noirs. He makes three of them – two from the Sonoma Coast and one from the Southern Napa Valley site called Stanley Ranch that was often used by...
Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 95 points: The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is a total knock-out. Intense black fruit, graphite, violets and smoke blossom as this explosive, structured Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its compelling personality. Virile, dark and intense...
Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 95 points: 95+ The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Star Lane Vineyard is bold, pungent and bursting with fruit. Deep and unctuous in texture, but with considerable aromatic lift, the 2014 offers a terrific expression of Happy Canyon. Black...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: 94+ The 2015 Estate Red is deep garnet-purple colored and delivers a good amount of oak-inspired notions to begin over a core of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry pie, preserved plums and chocolate box with hints of...
Decanter, 96 points: Notes of black cherry, cassis, graphite, incense, spice and rich soil preface an authoritative, intense wine with a lovely chassis of fine but firm tannins, underpinned by vibrant acidity: quintessential Dunn Howell...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Proprietary Red Machete opens with scents of black forest cake, cassis and menthol with a medicinal undercurrent and a waft of chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, firm and chewy, it has...
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