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.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 97 points: One of the great efforts of recent years, and not surprisingly so, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, a blend of 81% from Howell Mountain, 11% from St. Helena and the rest Calistoga and Mount Veeder. It is a...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: A complex red with blackcurrants, forest floor and mint. Eucalyptus, too. Love the aromas. Full body with ripe tannins that roll on the palate. Very harmonious and precise. Needs four to five years to come together, but...
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: Lots of ripe fruit with very fine tannins and a juicy mouthfeel. Medium to full body, polished and round texture and a flavorful finish. Soft with lots of flavor. Drink or hold.
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: Starting with the base 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, it's an interesting blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 3% St. Macaire, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. It offers a brilliantly pure...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: The winery's proprietary blend of 58% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec is hugely impressive and memorable, with a smoky, toasted oak character. Plush flavors of blackberry and cherry jam meld with spice on...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: 94+ Blended of 47% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 3% Sangiovese and 2% Viognier, the 2014 Todos Proprietary Red Wine reveals a medium to deep garnet-purple color and a...
jamessuckling.com, 99 points: The spice and walnut aromas are so enticing. Undertones of blackberries and black truffles. Full-bodied, dense and layered with fantastic tension and seamless tannins. It goes on for minutes. All about classic structure...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Freshly squeezed nectarines, dried jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla, peach flan, dried mangoes, jack fruit and plenty of bread dough. Full body, a very round and oily mouthfeel, expansive and commanding acidity and a long...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Aromas of dark fruit, such as blackberries and black olives, as well as black tea and tanned leather. Raspberries and lemon spices, too. Full-bodied, very tight and polished with beautiful tannins and a weave of fruit and...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: This wine is sourced from the producer's Hillside Estate and Borderline Vineyards two miles south of the winery. It offers toasted oak, leather, clove and cinnamon—a savory profile that's deceptively fresh in underlying...
jebdunnuck.com, 97 points: These wines are made by Tuck Beckstoffer, who is the son of the famous viticulturist and vineyard owner in Napa, Andy Beckstoffer. Starting with the 2016 Red Blend Dancing Hares, it's made from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Its bigger sister, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine with exceptional purity and ripeness, a dense ruby/purple color, and a gorgeous nose of blueberry, blackberry and cassis. Throw in a few floral...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: From vines planted in 1972, the 2015 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is one of the gems in the lineup. Rocking notes of caramelized citrus, lemon curd, salty minerality and loads of marzipan characteristics, full body, a...
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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...
-Susan S., August 2019
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