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...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 90 points: The 2018 Chardonnay comes 95% from Carneros and 5% from Napa Valley. Barrel fermented in 33% new oak, it spent eight months on the lees, and 18% went through malolactic. It was bottled June 1, 2019. Slowly, it reveals...
Wine Spectator, 93 points: Well-knit and powerfully structured, with unctuous flavors of ripe pear, apple pastry and dried mango, filled with toasty notes. The creamy finish lingers with hints of dried sage and quince paste. Drink now through 2025...
jebdunnuck.com, 90 points: Starting with the base Chardonnay, the 2018 Chardonnay is a ripe, nicely textured, concentrated white that has classy buttered citrus and orchard fruit as well as a touch of background oak. It's rock-solid.
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...
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, 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, 94 points: (92-94+ points) A barrel sample, the 2018 Chardonnay leaps from the glass with expressive white peach, lemon curd and pink grapefruit notes with touches of fresh ginger, marzipan and brioche. The palate is medium to...
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%...
Wine Spectator, 93 points: Well-structured, with minerally snap to the concentrated apple tart, dried pear and glazed apricot flavors. Toasty midpalate, leading to a finish that glistens with spicy richness and buttery nuances. Drink now through...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: A wonderfully crafted chardonnay with lemon rind, cooked apple, lemon and lemon curd. Mineral and stone character throughout. It’s full-bodied, yet vertical and deep on the palate. Takes you down deep and energizes you...
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JJ Buckley has consistently lower prices and a broad selection. Staff goes the extra mile and offers good advice and assistance. Shipping has been seamless and the wine always arrives in great condition...
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