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, 96 points: Made from decades-old dry-farmed vines planted to the Wente clone in rocky, volcanic soils, this is a stunning wine, flinty, fleshy and expansive, with undeniable minerality. Lemon zest, meringue and pear contrast against...
Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: With Philippe Melka and team now at the helm of these wines, this is amongst the first from the producer to source outside of the estate. From the great farmers that are the Sangiacomo family, this is a rich and...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: This robust, full-bodied white holds its weight and pedigree remarkably well, offering an intensely flavored, richly layered experience that seamlessly provides freshness along the way. Apple, cinnamon and nutmeg are...
jamessuckling.com, 91 points: A delicious, fruity white with aromas and flavors of sliced apples and pears. Medium to full body. Dried pear and apple flavors. Outstanding. Shows some structure, too. 97.5% sauvignon blanc with a dash of semillon and...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: 95+ I was able to taste two Chardonnays from Failla. The 2018 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard comes from an estate vineyard in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA and spent 11 months in 10% new French oak. This medium gold-hued 2018 has...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: Just as good, the 2018 Chardonnay Platt Vineyard, from a site in the Sonoma Coast, saw a similar élevage, spending 11 months in 15% new French oak. Rocking white peach, white currants, citrus, and floral notes all emerge...
Vinous, 95 points: The 2018 Chardonnay Haynes Vineyard is another stellar wine in this range. Deep and layered in the glass, the Haynes captures a striking interplay of textural richness, savoriness and energy. Lemon confit, sage, dried...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: A delicious, bright and fruity white with sliced-apple and honey character. Medium body. Crisp acidity to the lovely fruit. Subtle and clean. Drink now. Screw cap.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: The 2018 Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce opens slowly to lovely aromas of warm peaches and apricots with accents of toast, roasted almonds and honey. The medium-bodied palate is silky, super concentrated, layered and fresh, cut...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: A wine that goes out to distribution only (as opposed to the winery mailing list), the 2018 Chardonnay Wester Reach is a blend of the Ritchie, Heintz. Lorenzo, Dutton, and DuMOL Estate vineyards and was brought up in 35%...
Vinous, 94 points: The 2018 Chenin Blanc Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Old Vines is a dense, powerful wine that shows the more savory side of Chenin off to great effect. Dried flowers, herb, almonds and mineral inflections give the Chenin its...
Wine Spectator, 93 points: Big and rich, featuring a plush texture to the concentrated pear tart, apple pastry and dried apricot flavors. Viscous midpalate, with savory snap to the finish, which delivers minerally and toasty notes. Drink now...
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I found a wine I loved locally and was extremely disappointed when they stopped carrying it. JJ Buckley Fine Wines both carries it and makes the shopping experience easy. I would order again.
-Paige J., April 2020