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, 90 points: The 2016 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley sports a medium ruby color to go with a classic Anderson Valley bouquet of ripe cherries, dried blueberries, forest floor, and dried flowers. It's silky, seamless, and elegant on the...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: 94+ Blended of 47% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 3% Sangiovese and 2% Viognier, the 2014 Todos Proprietary Red Wine reveals a medium to deep garnet-purple color and a...
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...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Aromas of dark fruit, such as blackberries and black olives, as well as black tea and tanned leather. Raspberries and lemon spices, too. Full-bodied, very tight and polished with beautiful tannins and a weave of fruit and...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: 96+ Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Red Wine has a compelling, lifted nose of ripe plums, warm blackberries and cassis with tapenade, garrigue and sautéed herbs suggestions, plus a waft of roses. Medium to...
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: 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: Moving to the 2015s, the 2015 Estate Cuvee State Lane Vineyard is the Margaux of the lineup with its perfumed floral, spice-box, black cherry and currant-driven aromas and flavors. It has an understated elegance...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Beautiful aromas of lilacs and pear blossom. Hints of lemon rind. Full-bodied, vivid and bright with superb depth and length. It finishes with a bang. Great wine. Drink now. Why wait?
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...
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Buckley Fine Wines and my Wine Specialist have really gotten to know my taste and preferences in wines. The personal attention is outstanding and their selection and prices keep me coming back.
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