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, 99 points: The spice and walnut aromas are so enticing. Undertones of blackberries and black truffles. Full-bodied, dense and layered with fantastic tension and seamless tannins. It goes on for minutes. All about classic structure...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five Stags Leap is very deep purple-black in color and gives up intense Black Forest cake, black berry pie and blackcurrant cordial scents with hints...
jebdunnuck.com, 97 points: These wines are made by Tuck Beckstoffer, who is the son of the famous viticulturist and vineyard owner in Napa, Andy Beckstoffer. Starting with the 2016 Red Blend Dancing Hares, it's made from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: This is an impressive wine from an estate that I haven't tasted in the past. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Single Barrel Select emerges from the George III Vineyard in Rutherford and is aged in 100% new French oak. It...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Aromas of blackcurrant, mushroom, wet earth and bark follow through to a full body, chewy tannins and a stone, berry, chili and spice aftertaste. Muscular and chunky. Very serious. Almost no new oak. This shows the...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: (WA 93-95 points) A first look at the 2017 Geyserville Proprietary Red Wine revealed immense promise. Despite having been in barrel for a mere six months, it's already offering up complex aromas of raspberries...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 97 points: 97+ Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 5% Petite Sirah, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon G.B. Crane Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color and scented of cassis, black cherries and warm plums with touches of...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Fantastic aromatics with blackberries, blackcurrants and iodine. Licorice, too. Medium to fulll body, fine and velvety tannins and a very polished and gorgeous finish. Caressing and dialed in. Why wait? An intellectual...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: This is so balanced and articulated with precise aromas of currants, blackberries and cherries, as well as a mint character. Full body, firm and fine tannins and a juicy, subtle finish. Drink in 2021.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 points: 92+ The 2016 Papillon Proprietary Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged for 15 months in 45% new French oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and...
Vinous, 95 points: One of the highlights in this range, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mt. Veeder) is seriously beautiful. A healthy dollop (24%) of Merlot gives the wine terrific mid-palate pliancy and fruit depth to play off of the more...
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Greatly appreciate the availability of 6 months free temperature controlled storage of wines I purchase. An important consideration in choosing to purchase from JJ Buckley. Also appreciate the availability of older vintages...
-Robert S., May 2018
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