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, 91 points: A brand new "third" label from Eisele Vineyard, the 2018 Pickett is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc and a tiny splash of Syrah. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it strolls...
Vinous, 96 points: The 2018 Lytton Springs is magnificent. Elegant, layered and so complete, the 2018 has a lot to offer, but it needs time to fully come together. Sweet red cherry, red plum, blood orange, spice, mint and rose petal open up...
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: Made from decades-old dry-farmed vines planted to the Wente clone in rocky, volcanic soils, this is a stunning wine, flinty, fleshy and expansive, with undeniable minerality. Lemon zest, meringue and pear contrast against...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: The 2018 Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard needs a little coaxing before bursting from the glass with notes of fresh grapefruit, lemon meringue pie and Bosc pears plus hints of lime cordial and coriander seed with a waft of...
Wine & Spirits, 93 points: The Anthill team makes several single-vineyard wines from sites in the coastal Sebastopol Hills and in Annapolis, on Sonoma’s far north coast. This bottling is a blend of fruit from those sites, and while it may be less...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: This robust, full-bodied white holds its weight and pedigree remarkably well, offering an intensely flavored, richly layered experience that seamlessly provides freshness along the way. Apple, cinnamon and nutmeg are...
Wine Spectator, 92 points: Juicy and forward, with enticing plum, boysenberry and plum compote flavors. Light licorice threads stitch up the finish, along with a flash of sweet spice. Drink now through 2027. — J.M.
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: A wine that always delivers, the 2018 Geyserville from Ridge comes all from a single vineyard in the Alexander Valley and checks in as 68% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah, and the rest Alicante Bouschet. It has...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: The 2018 Pinot Noir Harmony Lane Vineyard is lush and inviting on the nose: aromas of rhubarb, boysenberry, crushed blackberries are accented by licorice and loads of potpourri-like nuances. The palate is wonderfully...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end...
Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: This appellation blend offers aromas of candied red cherry, strawberry and mint on the nose. The palate packs fresh, zesty and ripe red fruit with a complex array of herbs and spices, from tarragon and chamomile to...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: (96+ points) The 2018 Pinot Noir Campbell Ranch is an incredibly expressive wine, with a savory blend of crushed cranberry and blackberry fruit accented by notes of fragrant earth, lavender, charcuterie, fir and Angostura...
jebdunnuck.com, 93 points: Moving to the reds, the appellation 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was just about completely destemmed (2% stems) and spent 10 months in 18% new French oak. Lots of spice box, earthy forest floor, cherries, and redcurrant...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: 95+ I was able to taste two Chardonnays from Failla. The 2018 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard comes from an estate vineyard in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA and spent 11 months in 10% new French oak. This medium gold-hued 2018 has...
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