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.
Wine Spectator, 93 points: Lithe and delicately balanced, with vibrant lemon custard, blanched almond and steely citrus tones that take on richness and speed on the long finish. Drink now.
Wine Enthusiast, 91 points: Well-balanced and refreshing, this dry wine blends mineral and chalk aspects with tasty raspberry flavors. It is a slightly restrained, elegant expression that will please many. JIM GORDON
Wine Enthusiast, 93 points: An enticing, toasty, nutty aroma leads to crisp and complex flavors in this medium-bodied wine that is braced by good acidity and a fine bead of bubbles. Subtle, mature notes complement the elegant texture. JIM GORDON
Wine Enthusiast, 90 points: Fruity but trim, this nicely balanced wine combines fresh apple and a hint of ginger on a crisp texture of tight bubbles. This bracing quality adds to its elegance. —JIM GORDON
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: This has a complex nose of honeysuckle, white peach, lemon curd, dried pineapple, chamomile and buttercream. Intense and concentrated with silky, almost seamless, fine bubbles and fresh acidity. Layered and elegant. Long...
The Tasting Panel Magazine, 93 points: The blend of 83% Pinot Noir and 17% Chardonnay hails from Sonoma, Mendocino, Napa and Marin counties. A lovely, medium-bodied brut, its aromatics offer notes of late spring fruit: fresh and succulent apricot, a spark of...
Wine Enthusiast, 93 points: Blending 53% Pinot Noir, 44% Chardonnay and 3% Pinot Gris into a cohesive whole, this sparkler is aged nearly four years. Effusively fruity and balanced in acidity, it offers rich, rounded notes of pear, green apple and...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: Aromas of stone and rose lead to a rich, unctuous midpalate of wild strawberry, tangerine and Meyer lemon in this persistently bright blend of Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%). Elegant and lively, it offers...
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Excellent selection of hard to find premium wines. Pricing is fair & transparent.
-Jonathan P., November 2021