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, 96 points: I’ve consistently loved the Relentless cuvée from this team, which is always from a single vineyard and is Syrah-dominated, with about 10% Petite Sirah in the blend. The 2016 Relentless is sensational. Dense purple-hued...
Vinous, 97 points: (94-97 points) As good as the Rosella's Syrah is, the 2018 Sierra Mar has an added kick of everything. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, leather, menthol and licorice all build in a deep, expansive Syrah loaded with...
Vinous, 95 points: The 2013 Syrah Eddie's Patch Hoppe-Kelly Vineyard is the last wine made from this site before the vines were taken out in preparation for replanting. The Eddie's Patch is marked by a more voluptuous, fruit-driven...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: A perennial standout, this Syrah is cofermented with 10% Viognier, all fruit sourced from a site on the western edge of Sonoma Mountain in the cool confines of the Petaluma Gap. Beautiful and bold, it imparts a focused...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: The 2018 Nuts & Bolts checks in as 100% Syrah from a mix of vineyards that spent 18 months in 85% new French oak. This cuvée always delivers the goods. The 2018 sports a deep purple color, rocking Syrah notes of...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: Blueberry, blackberry and meaty garrigue define this deliciously lush and complex wine, the grape a tragic rarity in the appellation. Thick concentration is lifted by a bright underbelly of fresh, persistent acidity that...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: From a rocky site in the Conn Valley, the 2014 Syrah Rogers La Herradura Vineyard was destemmed and brought up in French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Its deep purple color is followed by a ripe, sexy...
Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: This annually anticipated bottling offers a blend of Doug Margerum's top barrels from a variety of vineyards. In this vintage, aromas of baking spice and red fruit come with minty sagebrush lift. Herbs, from oregano to...
Wine Spectator, 93 points: Plump and rich, yet balanced, with a vibrant core of complexity, offering expressive dark berry, smoky anise and mocha espresso flavors that persist toward firm tannins. Best from 2020 through 2026. — T.F.
Vinous, 94 points: The 2013 Syrah Jack Robert's Run Gregori Vineyard has put on considerable weight and acquired gravitas over the last year. Tannic and imposing, the Jack Robert's Run shows the more savory, structured side of Syrah. Dark...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: The 2018 Syrah Wild Mountainside was made with about one-third whole clusters and includes about 5% Viognier. Medium to deep ruby-purple, it has gorgeous aromas of smoked meats, crushed blackcurrants, mint leaves, bitter...
Vinous, 94 points: The 2016 Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate showcases Bob Lindquist's style at its very best in its exquisite elegance and nuance. Dark cherry, plum, licorice and spice all develop in the glass, but it is the wine's...
jebdunnuck.com, 99 points: The 2016 La Sangre de Jonata (98% Syrah and 2% Viognier) is a beautiful follow on to the sensational 2015 and has a layered, multi-dimensional, massive profile. Blackcurrants, blackberries, lavender, bacon fat, and spring...
Wine Spectator, 92 points: Opulent and open-knit, with silky black cherry, mocha and orange peel accents that dance on a long and supple finish. Drink now through 2028. 150 cases made. — TF
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