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, 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...
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...
Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: This wine is full bodied, dark and brooding—in a good way. It has concentrated flavors of black fruit and ripe red berry as well as attractive oak accents of cinnamon and clove. Fine-grained tannins lend ample support and...
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...
Wine Enthusiast, 97 points: Taut and leathery, this is a thickly tannic, incredibly structured and powerful wine, softened by 7% Merlot and 3% Malbec. Extracted black fruit is poised amongst earthy truffle, crushed rock and black pepper, the aromas...
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...
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...
Wine Spectator, 90 points: Offers a burst of plum and black cherry compote flavors, backed by licorice notes and a hint of blueberry cobbler. Maintains an ebullient profile through the polished, moderately toasted and accessible finish. Cabernet...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Lots of violets and dark berries with sweet underbrush and fresh mushrooms, following through to a medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a succulent and refined finish. It remains supple and beautiful. Hard not...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 99 points: Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose...
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, 98 points: Phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, forest fruit, mushrooms and iron. Medium to full body, with layers of soft and refined tannins that follow through to a beautiful finish. Extremely long and refined. This shows depth...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 100 points: The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet-purple color. Its nose begins a little reserved, slowly revealing a quiet intensity of freshly crushed blackberries, chocolate-covered cherries, cassis and aniseed with...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: Blended of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Contrarian Proprietary Red reveals notes of crushed black and red currants, black cherries and red plums with...
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I have found that a lot of the wines available at JJ Buckley are either not available at my local vendors or are at a much lower price. The service over the years has always been exemplary. I will continue to make purchases from JJ Buckley.
-Brent O., July 2019
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