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: In the same mold as the 2014 only slightly deeper, more concentrated, and backward, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers loads of blue fruits, cedar, lead pencil, and scorched earth aromatics, full-bodied richness, and...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: 95+ A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the very deep purple-black colored 2016 Les Pavots Proprietary Red Wine sings of crushed blackcurrants, blueberry preserves and...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Fleshing out beautifully since I tasted it from barrel last year, the 2013 Pinot Noir Mt Carmel Vineyard 3 5 offers lots of minerality and saltiness to go with darker-based fruits, crushed violets and cassis. Slightly...
Wine Spectator, 93 points: This shows the dark sage and tobacco edge of the vintage, with a core of gently steeped plum and blackberry fruit emerging slowly. Smoky details pervade the finish, which displays a serious bolt of graphite. Best from...
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: A young red with lots of blue fruits and minerals. Mint undertones. Full body, ultra-fine tannins. Racy, compressed tannins. Very balanced. Try in 2018.
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: From blocks of old Wente vines planted in the 1970s, this producer and site continue to find beautiful synergy together. This wine shows high-toned floral notes around full-bodied richness and flavors of crème brûlée and...
Vinous, 90 points: Brilliant ruby-red. Ripe cherry and dark berries on the perfumed nose; hints of licorice and cola build as the wine opens up. Smooth and fleshy in style, showing good heft to the black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors...
Wine Enthusiast, 97 points: Cellar Selection. With a tiny 3% addition of Cabernet Franc, this wine is defined by aromas of violet and crushed rock. Oak, clove and graphite dot a landscape of bold structure on the palate, with bright acidity...
Vinous, 94 points: The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine, not to mention a tremendous value. It is also the kind of wine that is easy to overlook in a universe of turbo-charged Napa Valley Cabernets. But that would be a mistake...
Vinous, 92 points: Liquid Farm's 2015 Chardonnay La Hermana is a blend of fruit from Bien Nacido, Solomon Hills and Dierberg. Intensely pointed and saline, it will need a bit more time in bottle to be at its most expressive. In keeping with...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: The 2016 Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard comes charging out of the glass with super intense grapefruit, green mango, lime leaves and lemon curd scents plus touches of baking bread, coriander seed, crushed rocks and...
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...
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