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, 95 points: Perhaps the best Tapestry ever made with currant, chocolate and berry aromas and flavors. Full body, layered and rich with a wonderful depth and generosity yet always focused and poised. Better in 2019 but already delicious.
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...
Wine Spectator, 95 points: Extravagant, yet balanced and refined, with lush, crisp brioche, fresh ginger and spice, roasted hazelnut and Asian pear flavors that fan out on the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2020. From California.—T.F
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: Editors' Choice. This is a stunningly beautiful wine at this price point, age-worthy and complex, it will stay with you long after it's gone. Opening in cedar, clove and cinnamon, it follows with a dusting of cocoa powder...
Wine Spectator, 90 points: Fruit-driven, gushing with lively plum, cherry and raspberry flavors, showing subtle shadings of anise, mineral, herb and cedar. An easy-to-enjoy, complex, ready-to-drink style, offering richness and flair. Drink now...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 points: One of the richer, fleshier wines in this lineup of 2010 Pinots from Bernardus, the 2010 Pinot Noir Soberanes shows lovely depth and roundness throughout. Spices, menthol and licorice add complexity to the fruit in this...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: This is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon from the famous historic site, with 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It startles in beauty and grace, with plenty of power and concentration. It's a charismatic...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Louer Family is a blockbuster of power and elegance. Young, exuberant and youthful, with a dense purple color, notes of charcoal and smoke from the barrels interwoven with copious quantities of...
Wine Enthusiast, 91 points: This is a full-bodied, ripe and mouthfilling wine that offers generous black-plum and black-cherry flavors, a smooth texture and a lingering finish. The aroma is nicely spiced in new oak accents that meld well with the...
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, 98 points: Starting with the Chardonnay, the 2016 Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard is an extraordinary effort as well as world-class. Offering an ultra-pure bouquet of white flowers, tangerine, crushed citrus, and hints of brioche and...
Wine Spectator, 92 points: Plush and rich-tasting, with finely interwoven flavors of dark cherry, plum tart and blackberry that are accented by cocoa powder notes. Asian spice accents fill the lush finish. Drink now through 2022. 52,000 cases...
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I like my JJ Buckley representative Kyle - he is the main reason I buy as much as I do from JJ Buckley. He is knowledgeable but personable and always takes time to answer my questions...
-Gary B., January 2019
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