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.
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: A red with such grandeur and tradition plus gorgeous austerity and length. Full body and pinpointed center palate with pretty fruit and balance. Aromatic with sage, lavender, rosemary flower, and chives. Love it. Better...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: (93-95 points) Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is another pure, elegant, classic wine from this estate. Blueberries, tobacco leaf, forest floor and underbrush notes all emerge from...
Wine Spectator, 91 points: Pushes ripeness to reveal blackberry, wild berry and blueberry flavors, giving this an assertive, zesty profile that shows some heat and gripping tannins. Ends with a long, lingering finish, revealing anise and dried sage...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon gives up exuberant notions of blackcurrant pastilles, blackberry compote and stewed red plums with touches of kirsch, potpourri, fragrant earth and cigar box...
Vinous, 95 points: The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely gorgeous. Floral aromatics and a rush of red fruit give the 2016 lift, freshness and brightness to play off the fruit density and structure that come so easily here. Incredibly...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: One of the larger production single vineyards as well as the only one to go out to distribution, the 2017 Chardonnay 3D comes from a more easterly site that was planted in 2007. It's a richer Chardonnay and offers an...
jebdunnuck.com, 97 points: Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2016 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard was completely destemmed and spent 15 months in 45% new French oak. It offers a bright framboise, cranberry, exotic flower, and spice-driven bouquet that...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 98 points: 98+ The 2018 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard has a medium ruby color and slowly opening perfume of garrigue, dried orange peel, prosciutto and rose petals with mineral-laced cranberry and red and black berry fruits. The...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: One of the great values out there, the 2017 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills offers thrilling notes of white flowers, white peach, currants, and toasted bread. This ripe, sexy wine is unquestionably at the same level as the...
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...
Vinous, 98 points: The 2018 The Bard is fabulous and also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Realm. Vertical structure, power and explosive energy infuse the 2018 with tremendous character. Inky dark fruit, chocolate...
Decanter, 96 points: A fist of late summer cherries, raspberry and bilberry fruits set out their stall, all with the juicy character that confirms, even in a hot vintage like 2017, Opus can deliver balance and sculpted elegance. Beautiful...
Wine Spectator, 96 points: A beauty, with creamed plum, braised fig and melted black licorice notes that are long and deep, gliding through effortlessly and ending with a swath of espresso, loam and smoldering tobacco details. Hard to resist now...
Decanter, 93 points: Stylish aromas, with vanilla oak and the fragrant trappings of class. Glossy, opulent and silky with lovely cassis fruit richness, albeit in a full-bodied, powerful frame with robust tannins and a firm spine of...
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I like the selection of southern French and Southern Italian wines this company carries. Their representatives have been helpful in suggesting wines, and shipping department has been reliable.
-Mark L., February 2020