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 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
Wine Spectator, 93 points: Creamy, crisp and luscious, with layered Asian pear, brioche and fresh ginger flavors that build vibrancy on the rich, lingering finish. Drink now through 2022. — T.F.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: The current release of the NV Estate Brut is made up mainly of fruit from the 2015 vintage. It is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir and was made with about ten grams per liter dosage. Disgorged in October of...
Wine Enthusiast, 97 points: This tightly balanced wine is laser-focused yet full-flavored in a way that's very enticing. Vivid acidity binds together extraordinary peach, ginger and baking spice flavors that start out crisp and then blossom on the...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: From estate-grown Chardonnay, this is a gorgeously crafted and aged sparkling wine that is persistently crisp in stone, green apple, nectarine and lemon. Firm in lasting acidity, this has beautiful composure and an...
Wine Enthusiast, 93 points: Handsome and fully mature, this well-aged bottle of bubbles is all about complexity. Tempting aromas of toasted walnuts and buttered baguettes are backed by mellow lemon and tangerine notes that keep the palate fresh from...
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.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: Another big-time winner, and one of their larger cuvées of just over 9,000 cases is the 2012 Brut Rosé. This is a blend of 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay, of which 33% was barrel fermented. This wine is ripe, broad...
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I have ordered many times over the past three years, and always been pleased with the selections and the descriptions of the wine which have held up to be accurate. Very efficient and easy.
-Verified Buyer, February 2021