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, 90 points: Starting with the 2017 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley, which comes from multiple sites in the Anderson Valley and spent 16 months in 60% new French oak, it has a juicy berry-fruited nose as well as ample violets, candied...
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...
Vinous, 93 points: A wine of total sensuality, the 2017 Pinot Noir Campbell Ranch brings together many of the elements that make the Anthill Farms Pinots so compelling. Sweet, pliant and enveloping, with lovely aromatic top notes, the...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: 96+ Moving to the reds and a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 55% new French oak, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Cuvée is deeply colored and has a Bordeaux-like...
jebdunnuck.com, 93 points: Moving to the reds, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 5% Malbec that spent 20 months in 75% new French oak. Deep purple-colored with notes of blackcurrants...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: Including 3% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Generations is a brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon that offers textbook blackcurrants, green tobacco, iron, and salty mineral aromas and flavors. Rich, full-bodied, nicely...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain offers a slightly darker, earthier profile that carries beautiful black and blue fruits, charcoal, bouquet garni, and some obvious minerality as well as a whiff of espresso...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: Aromas of blueberries and currants and floral hints, such as violets, with subtle minerality. Opens into true beauty and pureness of fruit. Medium to full body. Seamless tannins spread across the palate. Shows finesse and...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: This has very complex aromas of primary fruit, wild herbs, blue fruit and a spicy, meaty edge. Assertive oak meets rich fruit. The palate is impressively pure, supple and richly flavored with blueberries and cherries...
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...
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...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: This has a vibrant, raspberry and dried red-cherry nose with earthy and spicy complexity. The palate has a sleek and fluid channel of ripe red cherries, carrying even and fresh. Drink or hold.
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.
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JJ Buckley has the best selections and prices on unique, cult-status wines. Their recommendations are always on par.
-Brett W., November 2020