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: (92-94 points) A killer effort is the 2015 Zinfandel Papera Ranch, from a vineyard planted in 1934, and made from 96% Zinfandel and 4% Carignan. This is a good-sized wine, given its 15.4% alcohol, but like all of Mike...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: The 2016 Zinfandel Paso Robles is lovely, wafting from the glass with aromas of ripe blackberries, plum preserves and rich spices. On the palate, it's full-bodied, lavish and velvety, with an ample core of ripe...
Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: Made mostly from Oak Knoll District fruit, this perennial favorite offers rich tones of mocha, blackberry and cinnamon toast that are balanced by underlying acidity. It's a crowd-pleasing style that strikes a harmonious...
Vinous, 94 points: One of the most distinctive wines in this range, the 2014 Zinfandel DuPratt Vineyard, from a site in Mendocino Ridge, is wonderfully aromatic, nuanced and lifted. Bright red and bluish-hued fruits, violet, lavender and...
Vinous, 93 points: (AG90-93 points) The 2016 Zinfandel DuPratt Vineyard is bright and very nicely focused, with tons of aromatic lift and fine overall persistence. Lavender, mint, spice and dark cherry abound in this mid-weight, supremely...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: The 2014 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is slightly less potent (15.5%), but production is about the same (670 cases). Dense opaque purple, with a big, sweet blackberry and cassis nose of camphor, roasted meats and hints...
Vinous, 94 points: (VN 91-94 points) The 2017 Zinfandel Piner-Olivet Ranches is absolutely gorgeous. Silky and inviting, with lovely creaminess, the Piner-Olivet Ranches has so much to offer. Juicy dark red berry, blood orange, mint, spice...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: (WA 91-93 points) Tasted from barrel, the 2017 Zinfandel Paso Robles is also very promising, offering up youthful primary aromas of ripe cherries and currants. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and...
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