About the California wine region
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.
The 2020 Chardonnay marries textural richness and energy, all in grand style. Lemon confit, white flowers and light tropical accents lend quite a bit of character. There is striking creaminess and oiliness to the feel...
This impressive white delivers a core of quince, lemon rind and apple that blends with accents of white flower and lemongrass. Crisp acidity drives the freshness on the textured palate, offering elegance and plenty of...
Expressive and complex, featuring an explosion of marmalade, candied lemon peel, peach custard and grilled grapefruit flavors. The smooth, succulent body is highlighted by spice and floral accents, with a juicy core of...
A beautiful, Burgundian nose of orchard fruits, white flowers, chalky minerality, and honeysuckle emerge from the 2019 Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard, a riveting, pure, flawlessly balanced Chardonnay that shines on all...
The vineyard designate, the 2018 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is largely in the same mold, although it was brought up in slightly less new oak (25%) and is just a touch lower in alcohol and higher in acidity. Despite those...
This crisp, complex wine delivers elegant layers of tangerine and lemon. It builds focus and texture on the palate as it opens, with subtle hints of oak spice and crushed rock contributing to the delicious profile...
This is the second year this wine has been made from grapes grown at the Martinelli Charles Ranch, set at high elevation and only two miles from the ocean. Freshly cut pear, anise and integrated oak arise from the glass...
Lots of tropical fruit with mango and pineapple character. Ripe pear with some crushed stone. Lavender and green papaya, too. Full-bodied, lightly chewy and phenolic. Structured. Needs time to open, but a fantastic...
Starting with the 2018 Chardonnay Stagecoach Vineyard, which comes from a site on Pritchard Hill, it has a medium gold color as well as a classic Napa Valley Chardonnay nose of buttered stone fruits, hazelnuts, golden...
The 2017 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard, which comes from a great vineyard in Carneros, ratchets up the intensity and richness yet still delivers a beautiful vibrancy and freshness. Lots of caramelized lemon, tart pineapple...
The 2017 Chardonnay Grace Benoist Ranch leaps from the glass with scents of peach cobbler, pineapple upside-down cake and green guava with hints of butterscotch and preserved ginger. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lovely...
From one of the top sites in the Russian River Valley and brought up in 40% new French oak, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Ritchie Vineyard offers an Haut-Brion Blanc-like bouquet of caramelized pineapple, honeyed flowers...
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.
95+ The 2017 Chardonnay Larry Hyde opens slowly, offering subtle glimpses of lime peel, fresh grapefruit and white peaches to begin before giving way to a compelling core of Bosc pears, fennel seed, marzipan and shaved...
A stunning white wine, with plenty of power and balance to the mix of details, including lemon curd, Fuji apple, mandarin orange and a hint of ripe Crenshaw melon. Offers accents of white tea, fresh clipped herbs and...
The 2018 Chardonnay Lolita Ranch has pure aromas of roasted almonds, saline, white peaches and honeysuckle with an underlying mineral character. The palate is satiny, seamlessly fresh and transparent, with bright, citrusy...
From the great site—a marriage made in heaven with this producer—this wine is vibrant in lemon peel and tangerine. Fresh, focused and complex in structure, it presents a richness of Asian pear and spiced oak that develops...
Spicy oak and bright acidity complement each other in this well-made white, which shows strong tones of crisp citrus and green apple. It builds body on the midpalate, with integrated woody notes and lasting richness...
The 2020 Chardonnay Estate has rich aromas of peaches, honey, chamomile and baker's yeast with gentle herbal tones. The palate offers bright freshness and nutty, honeyed fruits, and it finishes long and textural.
Tightly woven aromas of lime pith, acacia and crushed chalk make for an enticing nose in this single-block expression. There's a great sizzle on the sip, where vibrant flavors of yuzu, sea salt and lemon juice meet with...
Aromas of white peaches, spiced apples, dried honeysuckle, lemon pith, cedar and cloves. It’s full-bodied with fresh acidity and a vibrant, tight and textured palate. Long and focused. Richer style and density. Drink now...
Showing beautifully, the 2015 Chardonnay offers a touch of maturity in its caramelized peach, pineapple, flora, and toasted bread-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and beautifully textured on the palate, it has...
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- Michael S., February 2022 “I have always found JJ Buckley to have great selection of wines at great prices. I have used their storage, pick-up and shipping options and all are first rate. I highly recommend JJB for all wine purchases!”.
“I have always found JJ Buckley to have great selection of wines at great prices. I have used their storage, pick-up and shipping options and all are first rate. I highly recommend JJB for all wine purchases!”.
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