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, 94 points: (94+ points) The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and an earthy nose with kirsch, black berries...
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...
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...
Wine Enthusiast, 97 points: Editors’ Choice. This is such an outstanding wine at any price, but here we’re talking about outstanding value as well. Notes of iron and crushed rock lead to a lengthy balance of juicy red fruit and clove. With small...
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...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: The 2018 Vin Perdu is a blend of 38% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes skipping out of the glass with bright, cheery notes of baked...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: A blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Red Blend Right Bank Reserve comes sashaying out of the glass with the most gorgeous perfume of...
jebdunnuck.com, 97 points: Another head-turning wine from this project, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Project 18 got a handful of expletives in my notes. A plush, sexy, full-bodied 2018 delivering pure dark fruits, hints of menthol and tobacco, a...
Wine Spectator, 93 points: 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...
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, 90 points: Starting with the 2017 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley, which comes from multiple sites in the Anderson Valley and spent 16 months in 60% new French oak, it has a juicy berry-fruited nose as well as ample violets, candied...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Intense aromas of black fruit, cocoa powder, black olives, dried violets, tar and cigar box. Some black peppercorn, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Incredible intensity and purity of fruit with gorgeous...
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: This is the first vintage of the Australian producer's foray into Napa Valley. It is tightly structured yet supple, bursting in bright currant and strawberry flavors. Savory components of sage, dried herb and black pepper...
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...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: romas of walnut, dark berry and dark chocolate follow through to a full body, with super integrated tannins and a long and focused finish. Wonderful balance and finesse for the vintage. 97% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot.
jebdunnuck.com, 93 points: The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard is another juicy, delicious wine from this estate, and at the price, it certainly represents value. Giving up plenty of...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: Including 3% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Generations is a brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon that offers textbook blackcurrants, green tobacco, iron, and salty mineral aromas and flavors. Rich, full-bodied, nicely...
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: Hailing from Josh Jensen's iconic vineyard at 2,200 feet above the Salinas Valley, this is an epic Chardonnay, loaded with clean, lively aromas of cherimoya, honeysuckle, sweet cream, crisp peach, struck flint and chive...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: An incredible showcase for the appellation, this combines grapes from the producer's estate Westside Farms with Dutton, Woolsey Road and Rochioli Allen, among others. Together it is broadly floral, earthy and richly...
Vinous, 93 points: (81% Cabernet Sauvignon): Very pure, lively aromas of blackberry, black cherry, licorice pastile, bitter chocolate and violet, accented by a peppery quality. Smooth, dry and classic but in a distinctly cooler style than...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: The 2018 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate shows the classic, more focused, elegant – yet also concentrated – style of the vintage brilliantly. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as killer notes of crème de...
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: Very attractive blackberry and blueberry character with cedar and dried flowers. It’s full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins and enticing, transparent fruit underneath. Flavorful finish. Drink after 2022.
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: 96+ Moving to the reds and a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 55% new French oak, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Cuvée is deeply colored and has a Bordeaux-like...
Wine Spectator, 95 points: Very lush, with warmed plum sauce, cassis and linzer flavors gliding through slowly, but persistently, while cast iron and mesquite notes add range along the way. Stays on the dark side of the spectrum, with a flash of...
jamessuckling.com, 99 points: Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: Starting with the 2018 Pinot Noir Estate Sta. Rita Hills, which comes from vines around the estate and saw 40% stems, it reveals a medium ruby hue as well as a great bouquet of ripe cherry and raspberry fruits intermixed...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep ruby, it has an incredible nose of licorice, dried flowers and mint chocolate over black berries...
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