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.
jamessuckling.com, 99 points: Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing...
Vinous, 95 points: The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate is a blend of the seventeen clones on the property. Freshly cut flowers, spice, mint, blood orange and dried flowers give the Estate beguiling aromatic complexity and nuance. There is a sense of...
Wine Enthusiast, 98 points: This stellar, powerhouse wine is perfumed in aromas of pencil, leather and sage that season a core of mineral and crushed rock. The fruit is equally savory in currant and plum, with a dusting of dark chocolate. Enjoy...
Wine Spectator, 95 points: Features black currant, blackberry and boysenberry reduction flavors that are tightly coiled for now, carried by well-embedded acidity and racy graphite notes. The long finish pumps out fruit, with extra anise and sweet...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: (96+ points) A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Reserve opens with beautifully fragrant kirsch, wilted roses, candied...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: This has impressive depth and poise with a composed, richly flavored palate that delivers all the red cherries, light spice and cascading tannins of quality pinot noir. Drink now.
jebdunnuck.com, 97 points: Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2016 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard was completely destemmed and spent 15 months in 45% new French oak. It offers a bright framboise, cranberry, exotic flower, and spice-driven bouquet that...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: (95+ points) Blended of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 49% new French oak, the very deep purple-black colored 2016 Secret Blend gives up a vivacious nose of crushed...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: (93-95 points) Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is another pure, elegant, classic wine from this estate. Blueberries, tobacco leaf, forest floor and underbrush notes all emerge from...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: The 2016 Pinot Noir was made from UCD 4/Pommard, Dijon 114 and Calera clones, all from the Hyde Estate vineyard on Los Carneros Avenue. Using 5% whole cluster, it was fermented entirely with native yeast and was aged in...
Vinous, 94 points: Ric Forman's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is all class. The 2016 won't be ready to drink for at least another few years, but it is already super attractive, and also very typical of Ric Forman's style. Lavender, spice, and red...
jebdunnuck.com, 98 points: One of the true superstars in the portfolio is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Generations, which is even better than the 2015. Brought up in just over half new barrels, it has an incredible bouquet of...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: This is a flamboyant red that offers hazelnuts, dark berries and a hint of chocolate. Full-bodied with round and soft tannins. So fresh. So rich, enticing and layered. A blend of 84 per cent cabernet sauvignon, nine per...
jebdunnuck.com, 93 points: I loved the 2016 Pinot Noir Mardikian Estate Vineyard, and it comes from a vineyard on the Sonoma Coast and is a mix of clones, was destemmed, and spent 11 months in 38% new French oak. Beautiful sweet red fruits, passion...
jebdunnuck.com, 93 points: The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate is the larger production red from this team, yet it certainly gives a good view into the quality coming from the Hilt wines. Black cherries, black raspberries, graphite, peppery herbs, and...
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