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, 92 points: Aromas of flower, tile and currant follow through to a full body that's nevertheless tight and reserved. Such beauty at the finish. A pretty wine. Hard not to drink now.
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...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: A complex red with blackcurrants, forest floor and mint. Eucalyptus, too. Love the aromas. Full body with ripe tannins that roll on the palate. Very harmonious and precise. Needs four to five years to come together, but...
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: Starting with the base 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, it's an interesting blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 3% St. Macaire, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. It offers a brilliantly pure...
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, 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...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Freshly squeezed nectarines, dried jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla, peach flan, dried mangoes, jack fruit and plenty of bread dough. Full body, a very round and oily mouthfeel, expansive and commanding acidity and a long...
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...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: The winery's proprietary blend of 58% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec is hugely impressive and memorable, with a smoky, toasted oak character. Plush flavors of blackberry and cherry jam meld with spice on...
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...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: This is a flamboyant red that offers hazelnuts, dark berries and a hint of chocolate. Full-bodied with round and soft tannins. So fresh. So rich, enticing and layered. A blend of 84 per cent cabernet sauvignon, nine per...
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...
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