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.
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: Starting with the base 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, it's an interesting blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 3% St. Macaire, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. It offers a brilliantly pure...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: The winery's proprietary blend of 58% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec is hugely impressive and memorable, with a smoky, toasted oak character. Plush flavors of blackberry and cherry jam meld with spice on...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: This wine is sourced from the producer's Hillside Estate and Borderline Vineyards two miles south of the winery. It offers toasted oak, leather, clove and cinnamon—a savory profile that's deceptively fresh in underlying...
jebdunnuck.com, 97 points: These wines are made by Tuck Beckstoffer, who is the son of the famous viticulturist and vineyard owner in Napa, Andy Beckstoffer. Starting with the 2016 Red Blend Dancing Hares, it's made from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon...
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, 90 points: The 2016 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley sports a medium ruby color to go with a classic Anderson Valley bouquet of ripe cherries, dried blueberries, forest floor, and dried flowers. It's silky, seamless, and elegant on the...
Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: Cellar Selection. Brawny in supple baked black fruit, this wine is largely concentrated and robust in dense, secondary waves of mocha, black licorice and vanilla. Complex elements of dried herb and sage nip at the palate...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five Stags Leap is very deep purple-black in color and gives up intense Black Forest cake, black berry pie and blackcurrant cordial scents with hints...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 100 points: (97 - 100) A barrel sample made up of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec to be aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, the 2016 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine has a deep...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: Some quite meaty and spicy oak aromas here with a wealth of ripe mixed berries. The palate has a very smoothly arranged feel with toasty oak threaded through ripe, plush and soft berries. A blend of 85 per cent cabernet...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: The 2016 Leviathan offers slightly more purity but is largely cut from the same cloth as the 2015, boasting a deep purple color, tons of blue fruits, some tobacco and earthy notes, and a layered, ripe, sexy, incredibly...
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: Editors' Choice. This is a stunningly beautiful wine at this price point, age-worthy and complex, it will stay with you long after it's gone. Opening in cedar, clove and cinnamon, it follows with a dusting of cocoa powder...
jebdunnuck.com, 97 points: The 2016 My Favorite Neighbor is made with the intent of competing with cult Napa Cabernet Sauvignon yet at a more maintainable $80 price point. Coming all from westside Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, mostly on clay...
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: This is an awesome expression of cool climate Syrah, with rosemary-crusted lamb chops, peppercorns, asphalt and elderberry-jam aromas starting the show. The palate is intense with cracked pepper, bay leaf, rosemary oil...
Vinous, 97 points: The 2016 Proprietary Red is fabulous, just as it was from bottle. Silky, supple and also quite structured on the palate, the 2016 is a stunningly beautiful, vivid wine. Dark cherry/plum jam, bittersweet chocolate, rose...
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Greatly appreciate the availability of 6 months free temperature controlled storage of wines I purchase. An important consideration in choosing to purchase from JJ Buckley. Also appreciate the availability of older vintages...
-Robert S., May 2018
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