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 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...
The 2023 Trousseau was fermented with whole clusters and matured for nine months in used French oak. It has an arresting perfume of strawberry, pomegranate, rooibos tea and Campari. The light-bodied palate is bursting...
Sleek and juicy, with fan-friendly cherry, raspberry, toasty spice and briar accents that glide on the zesty finish. Drink now through 2033. - TF
Rounded aromas of tangerine, cantaloupe and wet rocks are very engaging on the nose of this bottling. The palate is much more lively with citrus, melon and green apple Jolly Rancher flavors, yet it remains very dry and...
Lush aromatics of mixed citrus and buttered brioche join flavors of baked apple and pear with spices. A pleasing smoke accent follows the energetic length of the wine. — Elaine Chukan Brown
Toasted almond, citrus pith and light dairy aromas show on the nose of this appellation cuvée. The palate picks up an earthier line, as chaparral rock and herb flavors meet with brighter lemon and dried pear elements. —...
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...
The 2023 Chardonnay, from vines in Anderson Valley, is a soft, easygoing wine to drink now and over the next two or three years. Gentle hints of citrus peel, almond, white pepper and spice open first, while a light...
The 2023 Chardonnay Wester Reach is blended from several vineyards including Flax, El Diablo and Heintz. Grapes were harvested September 14 to October 14, and the wine was matured for 11 months in 27% new French oak...
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...
Elegant and fragrant up front, with notes of orange blossoms and ginger paste alongside fleshy, juicy flavors of ripe melon, peach, apricot and fresh lemon zest. Accents of smoked sea salt and fennel pollen linger on this...
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