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.
Vinous, 95 points: The 2018 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch is superb. A burst of sweet red/purplish fruit, exotic spice, flowers and blood orange fleshes out in a Zinfandel of tremendous class. The Pagani has a level of textural breadth and...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: Another Russian River Valley release, the 2018 Zinfandel Montafi Ranch (89% Zinfandel and 11% other assorted varieties) is another ripe, sexy wine. A sweet bouquet of mulberries, red plums, brambly herbs, cigar, and spice...
jebdunnuck.com, 93 points: All Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley, the 2018 Zinfandel East Bench offers up a great, pure, medium to full-bodied style that carries lots of classic spice, brambly herbs, incense, and plum-laced fruits. Nicely...
Vinous, 93 points: (91-93+ points) The 2018 Zinfandel Buk Cobb Vineyard is bold and savory, with plenty of cedar, licorice, dried herbs, mint and pine character. Deceptive in its mid-weight feel, the 2018 pulses with real energy...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: The 2017 Zinfandel Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard is a bigger, more structured wine and, like the other Zinfandels here, is a field blend aged 10 months in 50% new oak. Beautiful notes of red plums, blueberries, sandalwood...
Vinous, 94 points: (92-94 points) The 2018 Zinfandel Kirschenmann is a perfect example of what makes this vintage so appealing. Always a lighter, rather perfumed wine, the Kirschenmann has striking mid-palate sweetness and depth, both of...
jebdunnuck.com, 92 points: The 2016 Zinfandel Tofanelli Family Vineyard is classic Zin all the way with its exotic bouquet of spice, cedar, white pepper, and blueberry pie. This medium-bodied, balanced, elegant effort has the class and length to...
Vinous, 90 points: The 2018 Zinfandel Old Vines is a gorgeous wine and a fabulous value. Sweet dark cherry, new leather, spice, menthol, licorice and red flowers all open up effortlessly. Medium in body yet fleshy and wonderfully deep, the...
Vinous, 93 points: The 2015 Zinfandel Old & Mature Vines Scherrer Vineyard is a wine of distinction and pedigree. Rich, deep and luscious, with tremendous character, the 2015 hits all the right notes. Most importantly, the Old & Mature...
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JJ Buckley provides an opportunity for me to find fine wines in low (or no) quantity in my area. Always a great alternative to trying to find local (which is often times hard).
-Elizabeth S., April 2018