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, 95 points: This is so drinkable now. Savory and yummy. Lots of blackberries, blueberries and currants. Full-to medium-bodied, tight and silky with beautiful freshness and finesse. So long and caressing, yet tightly grained tannins...
Vinous, 97 points: The Hilt's 2017 Pinot Noir Old Guard is soaring and stratospheric in its beauty. Positively riveting in the glass, the 2017 is laced with gorgeous aromatics and captivating precision throughout. Dark red/purplish berry...
Vinous, 95 points: The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is such a gorgeous wine. In 2017, the Frog's Leap Cabernet has a bit more depth and richness, as it often does in warmer years. Cedar, tobacco, mint and sweet red cherry are all pushed forward...
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: This is a really excellent CrossBarn with beautiful currant and savory character. Hint of menthol. Full-bodied, round and flavorful. Yet, it’s not overdone. Ready to drink! Tastes like a Napa cab for double the price...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: Beautiful dark berries with ripe strawberries and hints of decadence and richness. Some meat, too. Full-bodied, dense and rich with tight and linear tannins. Needs a year or two to soften. Better in 2022.
Decanter, 96 points: A fist of late summer cherries, raspberry and bilberry fruits set out their stall, all with the juicy character that confirms, even in a hot vintage like 2017, Opus can deliver balance and sculpted elegance. Beautiful...
Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: Blending 62% Merlot, 22% Malbec and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, winemaker Elias Fernandez shows his skill, producing a thick, earthy and spicy red with vibrant red fruit. Ripe firm tannins add weight and power to the...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Fresh cassis and blueberries with crushed violets and stones, too. This is fresh and complex. The palate carries a smooth, supple and tautly refined brand of tannin and a succulently fresh core of blue plums and...
Wine Spectator, 93 points: Alluring, featuring blackberry, blueberry and açaí berry aromas and flavors, laced with graphite and violet notes and backed by a hint of lavender. Very expressive, showing lovely range, as well as the stuffing and...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: Lovely softness and balance to this wine. Aromas and flavors of currants and blueberries. Medium-to full-bodied. Refined and beautiful now. Drink and enjoy.
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: Wonderful blackberry and blackcurrant aromas here with hints of mint and fresh sage. Some cassis. Wrought iron, too. Full-bodied, tight and elegant with lovely tension. Beautiful. Ends fine and focused. Drinkable now, but...
jebdunnuck.com, 97 points: Coming from a block located on a northern facing ridge north of Fort Ross, on the Sonoma Coast, the 2017 Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard was destemmed and spent 17 months in 32% new French oak. Bottled unfined and...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: Moving to the Pinot Noirs, the 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is the appellation release from Hobbs, and it's brought up all in French oak. Black raspberries, bouquet garni, crushed flowers, and honeyed strawberry...
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