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 Tasting Panel Magazine, 99 points: Mesmerizing aromas of earth, violets, and fresh black and blue fruit give way to chalky tannins that dry the palate—part of that is pure youth. The acidity lifts the flavors to compensate for the tighter grip. Savory...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: Coming all from the Crocker Estate fruits and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in 60% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon RLC reveals a deep purple color as well as medium to full-bodied richness, lovely notes...
Vinous, 93 points: Lindstrom's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon has turned out beautifully. Deep, intense and richly textured, the 2014 graces the palate with an intriguing array of black cherry, plum, graphite, licorice and spice overtones. Rich...
Vinous, 96 points: The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is a dark, exotic beauty. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, and menthol make a strong opening statement as this bold, sumptuous wine shows off its personality. Radiant, supple and...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Aromas of blackcurrant, mushroom, wet earth and bark follow through to a full body, chewy tannins and a stone, berry, chili and spice aftertaste. Muscular and chunky. Very serious. Almost no new oak. This shows the...
Wine Enthusiast, 98 points: This stellar, powerhouse wine is perfumed in aromas of pencil, leather and sage that season a core of mineral and crushed rock. The fruit is equally savory in currant and plum, with a dusting of dark chocolate. Enjoy...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: The medium-bodied, more elegant 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc) reveals a nuanced bouquet of black raspberries, red cassis, graphite...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Another majestic effort from Boisset is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon JCB No. 10. This is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville and 10% Petit Verdot. The wine shows terrific floral notes intermixed with blackberry and...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: Lastly, the 2016 Prince of Hearts Red is based on 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, all aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. It’s another seamless, elegant wine from the...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 points: A brand new "third" label from Eisele Vineyard, the 2018 Pickett is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc and a tiny splash of Syrah. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it strolls...
Wine Spectator, 95 points: Features black currant, blackberry and boysenberry reduction flavors that are tightly coiled for now, carried by well-embedded acidity and racy graphite notes. The long finish pumps out fruit, with extra anise and sweet...
Decanter, 94 points: Fresh and exotic aromas of passion fruit, lychee, coconut flakes and seabreeze. The tropical perfume carries through the texturally taught, medium-bodied frame with its zippy acidity to a crisp saline finish. A singular...
jebdunnuck.com, 98 points: The Mourvèdre-dominated 2016 Veracity (51% Mourvèdre, 36% Grenache, and 13% Syrah) reveals a darker ruby color as well as a sensational bouquet of blackcurrants, smoked meats, ground herbs, chocolate, and earth. With...
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