About the California wine region
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.
The only one of the Dominus wines to show more than a hint of wood, the 2023 Dominus matured in 40% new French oak, leaving it marked by caramel and cedar overtones. Yet that oak aging is balanced by plenty of black...
The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Concrete Aged emerges from mostly older vines and sees a bit of skin contact on the press. Apricot, chamomile, dried flowers, mint and a kiss of tangerine peel are beautifully amplified in the...
98+ The 2023 Pinot Noir DuMOL Estate Vineyard is a real head-turner, just as it was in barrel. Dark, sumptuous fruit, leather, incense, tobacco, dried herbs and graphite open first, buffered by brisk acids and beams of...
This delivers a pure and steady beam of cassis and plum puree carried by gentle underlying succulence. Flashes of hibiscus and iris filter through the fruit, adding to the overall elegant feel. Drink now through 2034...
The nose of this old vine Zin brings concentrated cherry, raspberry liqueur, and cinnamon aromas, while the palate brings plush tannin, supple acidity, and flavors of roasted cherries, berry compote, plum, and licorice...
Starts off quiet and tight, with citrus notes mingling with tangy accents of mango and guava on a supple and incredibly juicy frame. As the wine continues to unfurl, details of green apple hard candy, celery salt...
Offers beautifully rendered notes of hibiscus, rose petal, damson plum and mulberry that stretch out lengthily thanks to the fine-beaded acidity and taut, precise tannins. The sapid finish lets in tea and incense hints...
Aromas of fresh black cherry, roses, cinnamon and sage burst from the glass on the nose of this Pinot. The palate is energetic, with flavors of spiced plum, crushed Bing cherry, orange peel, black tea and purple flowers...
Leave it to this pioneering Central Coast producer to craft an appellation cuvée that tastes exactly like this region smells. Aromas of sagebrush, pepper, iron and red plum lead into a palate of juniper, bay leaf and...
Within a remarkable set of wines, the 2023 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard gets my nod as the most multidimensional wine in The Hilt's portfolio. While several wines in the lineup display oceanic, kelp and nori-like aromas...
This is laden with warmed cassis and plum compote notes that are seamlessly woven with roasted vanilla, tobacco and black licorice. A twinge of walnut husk lends a touch of cut through the rather dense finish. Best from...
The 2023 Syrah Wild Mountainside was harvested on October 6 and 23 and fermented with around 30% whole clusters. Matured for 15 months in 15% new French oak hogsheads, it has dynamic aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry...
Grapes for the 2023 Chardonnay Russian River Valley were harvested over the course of a month, from initial picks on September 13 to the last pick on October 14. It was barrel-fermented, underwent full malolactic...
Expressive and detailed, with multilayered red currant and cherry flavors taking on rose petal, dusty sage and black tea accents that build tension toward medium-grained tannins. Merlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet...
A supple, flavorful, sleek and densely fruity wine on a full body. The tannins seem to build on the palate, giving a little textural grip to raspberry and red and black cherry flavors and attractive oak spices like...
Lavish and mouthwatering, this Chardonnay joins rich, layers of flavor with palate coating structure and length. Honeysuckle, warm apples, toasted spices and a flinty finish are refreshed by a juicy finish. — Elaine...
A mouthwatering, full-bodied wine with a range of citrus flavors framed with blond-wood tones. Delicate white flowers with an iodine-like minerality and layers of richness and salinity in the finish. Built for aging...
From an estate vineyard in St. Helena, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Hourglass Estate sports a deep purple hue as well as a stunning nose of ripe currants, smoked tobacco, spicy wood, and graphite. Based on 97% Cabernet...
The 2023 Zinfandel offers up notes of crushed cherry, blueberry complemented by sweet herbs and hints of stone dust. It sweeps across the palate with juicy waves of ripe red and blue fruit energized by vibrant acidity...
A new wine in this range, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County) is a blend of Bedrock and Lichau Hill. Bold and punchy, the 2024 is super expressive right out of the gate. Savory and brambly notes are classic...
The 2023 Gamay Noir comes from two vineyards in the Sierra Nevada Mountains: Barsotti, planted in 2005 at 2,800 feet in elevation, and Witters, planted in 2000 at 3,300 feet. Only whole clusters were used during...
The 2023 Pinot Noir Peter Martin Ray Vineyard comes from head-trained, dry-farmed vines planted in 1979 at 1,400 feet in elevation, and grapes were harvested September 18. It fermented with 100% whole clusters and matured...
Sleek and juicy, with fan-friendly cherry, raspberry, toasty spice and briar accents that glide on the zesty finish. Drink now through 2033. - TF
Approximately 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance a blend of other Bordeaux varieties, Bevan's 2023 Ontogeny Red Wine frames ripe cherries and a slightly leafy note with vanilla-stained oak. It's full-bodied and...
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