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: A bigger, richer effort based on 96% Zinfandel and 4% Carignan from a site in the Russian River, the 2018 Zinfandel Papera Ranch offers a meaty, powerful bouquet of black cherries, red plums, Asian spices, and chocolate...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 97 points: Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2019 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa bursts with singular aromas of dried lavender and citrus peel, smoky, mineral-like undertones and loads of exotic spices over a core of wild berry preserves...
Wine Spectator, 93 points: Sleek and multilayered, with dynamic yet elegant raspberry, grilled fennel and cracked pepper flavors that build structure and richness on the long finish. Drink now through 2030. 4,300 cases made. — TF
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 97 points: The 2019 Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard opens to kaleidoscopic wild berry preserves, apricots, licorice and potpourri-like spices that gain nuance and intensity with time in the glass. The palate offers surprising depth of...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: The deep purple/ruby-hued 2019 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch comes from a site in the Sonoma Valley and is 90% Zinfandel, 6% Petit Sirah, and the rest Alicante Bouschet. Red plums, blueberries, blood orange, and candied violet...
Vinous, 95 points: (92-95 points) The 2019 Zinfandel Ueberroth Vineyard is a powerhouse. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy potent, rich wines. Inky dark fruit, leather, spice, tobacco and dried herbs add to the wine's somber...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: The 2019 Zinfandel Russian River Valley is a gem and certainly a great candidate for those looking for a great Zinfandel, or those interested in the style and quality of this great estate. Classic red and blue fruits...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: 93+ The 2016 Zinfandel Old Vine has an open nose of red berry preserves, warm blackberries and stone fruit hints with layers of cinnamon stick, sweet spices, charcuterie, garrigue, turned earth and dried violet. The...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Vibrant ruby-purple in the glass, the 2019 Zinfandel Papera Ranch (blended with 4% Carignan) has an alluring perfume of woodsmoke, tea leaves, graphite, licorice and intense, spicy bramble fruit. The palate is delicate...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: From the Mendocino region and basically all Zinfandel (there's one percent Schiava Grossa), the 2018 Zinfandel Dupratt Vineyard gives up loads of spice and cedar notes as well as beautiful wild strawberry and blueberry...
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...
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Excellent selection and prices. Found my favorite winery with their exclusive wines at a fraction of the cost of a club member. Unreal. Customer service was also top notch, thank you Seth!
-Jason J., December 2020