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.
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: 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...
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...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: One of the larger production single vineyards as well as the only one to go out to distribution, the 2017 Chardonnay 3D comes from a more easterly site that was planted in 2007. It's a richer Chardonnay and offers an...
Vinous, 93 points: The 2017 Chardonnay Cahill Lane Vineyard is a rich, unctuous wine that shows all of the natural concentration of the year. Apricot, butter, spice, orange peel and touch of reduction give the 2017 Cahill Lane its...
Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: This is a nicely made wine, its oak barrel-influence up front yet subdued. Caramel, lemon curd and graham cracker are complemented by mineral components of stone and sea air in addition to an impressive lift of tangerine...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: Leading off the Chardonnays from Hobbs, the 2017 Chardonnay Russian River Valley comes from multiple sites and spent ten months in 55% new French oak. Its medium gold color is followed by a rich, upfront bouquet of...
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...
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: All three of the Chardonnays are great, and the 2019 Chardonnay Napa Valley is well worth seeking out. Its medium gold hue is followed by a great, classic nose of ripe white peach, caramelized citrus, white flowers, and a...
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...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 90 points: 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...
Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: The producer sources from a handful of exceptional sites here, including Hyde in Carneros and Farina on Sonoma Mountain, as well as its own St. Helena estate. Juicy and lengthy with power and substance, it is fresh 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.
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: Starting with the Chardonnays, the 2018 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is a winner and is ideal for readers looking to understand the Sta. Rita Hills as well as the style of the wines at Brewer-Clifton. Medium gold, with a...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 98 points: Ma Douce comes from a vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview—not far from Marcassin Vineyard. It is planted mainly to Old Wente clone selection. The 2017 Chardonnay Ma Douce comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of...
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JJ Buckley Fine Wines has great prices on great wines, with excellent customer support and personnel who know their products. I have been satisfied with all aspects of their products and services through several purchases over the last year or so. I wish I had found them sooner!
-David F., April 2019