California

Country: US / Variety: Pinot Grigio California Winery: Arrow Creek / California Simple and sweet, with Lifesaver candy flavors of pineapples and lemons. Earns an extra point for the clean mouthfeel.

Country: US / Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Arrow Creek / California Too unripe to earn a higher score, this Cab shows stemmy, mint-green flavors that overwhelm the modest cherries and blackberries.

Country: US / Lot 101 Variety: Chardonnay California Winery: Cameron Hughes / Russian River Valley Will satisfy Chardophiles with its oaky, creamy flavors and notes of pineapples, lemons and limes. Finishes dry and crisp in acidity.

Country: US / Stolo Family Vineyard Anno di Isabella Variety: Pinot Noir California Winery: TreViti / Central Coast Dry and silky but heavy, with earthy flavors of herbs, mushrooms, cherries, cola and spice. Drink now.

Country: US / Bingham Ranch Zydeco Variety: Zinfandel California Winery: R & B Cellars / Napa Valley A bit too sharp and acidic to earn a higher score, with green mint flavors of cherries, anise and pepper.

Country: US / Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Joullian / Carmel Valley A bit herbal, green and sharp, this Cab has modest flavors of blackberries and cherries, enriched with some new French oak.

Country: US / Companion Variety: Cabernet Blend California Winery: Caliza / Paso Robles Fruity, soft and candied, this high alcohol wine has blackberry and cherry pie filling flavors, with a rustic texture. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and a few other varieties.

Country: US / 47.5 Variety: Red Blend California Winery: Borra / Lodi Mainly Petite Sirah, this wine has a hot, baked taste, like cherry pie filling that burbled out of the crust and got burnt and caramelized in the oven. Drink now.

Country: US / Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi / California A bit edgy in tannins and with some green flavors, but not a bad Cabernet for the price. Dry and robust, it shows blackberry and currant flavors, with a touch of smoky oak.

Country: US / Athena Variety: Dolcetto California Winery: Viansa / Sonoma County Pretty basic, a dryly tannic red wine with cherry and herb flavors. Feels hard and sharp in the mouth, with astringent tannins and acids. Could age out.

Country: US / Variety: Sauvignon Blanc California Winery: Two Angels / High Valley A bit strong in those infamous feline aromas and tastes, but okay in crisp, dry citrus and lemongrass flavors. Give it a good decant before serving.

Country: US / Sycamore Vineyards Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Freemark Abbey / Napa Valley A dry-smelling wine, with hints of cinnamon, pine bark, eucalyptus and earth, that unfold slowly on the palate to reveal bright red cherries and berries. It’s big and it’s structured, yet finishes smooth and silky, blending in coffee and tea […]