California

Country: US / Willow Creek Farm Rose of Variety: Mission California Winery: Proulx / Paso Robles One of the champions of the old Mission grape varietal, this winery continues to make strides in showcasing its potential in modern winemaking, This blend of 75% Mission, 15% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 4% Zinfandel and 1% Cinsault shows classic […]

Country: US / Unoaked Variety: Chardonnay California Winery: Pellegrini / Russian River Valley Despite its unoaked nature, this wine reveals elements of baked and dried fruit, and an unexpected voluptuousness of full-bodied richness. Pear, apple and lemon interplay on the palate, while tangy acidity provides a satisfying end note.

Country: US / Paolo’s Vineyard Estate Grown Variety: Syrah California Winery: Montemaggiore / Dry Creek Valley A young, 100% varietal and estate-farmed wine, this is a soft, thick and dusty gathering of chocolate and blackberry jam, filled in with wild game and leather. Robust and still tightly wound, it needs to open in the glass […]

Country: US / Vogelzang Vineyard Variety: Sauvignon Blanc California Winery: Magna Mater / Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara Made by Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch in Paso Robles, this boutique bottling shows red apple flesh, yellow pears, salted lime skins and scratched lemon aromas. There is bright energy to the sip, with flavors of stony chalk […]

Country: US / Communication Block Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Lampyridae / Mount Veeder This 100% varietal wine is instantly compelling, ripe and juicy in all the right ways, a mix of black and red fruit with an herbal underbelly and hits of peppercorn. Chalky tannins and a dry finish complete the picture, while the […]

Country: US / Variety: Sauvignon Blanc California Winery: Lake and Vine Cellars / Lake County Crisp and appetizing lemon and grapefruit flavors do their job very well in this vivid, refreshing and medium-bodied wine. Its bright acidity makes the mouth water and will help it pair beautifully with a wide variety of foods.

Country: US / Jackson Estate Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Kendall-Jackson / Alexander Valley From the producer’s line of wines meant to showcase higher-elevation sites, this one is almost all varietal, with small percentages of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aged in both French and American oak, it impresses from the get-go, with […]

Country: US / Dissident Variety: Rhône-style Red Blend California Winery: Archium / Santa Ynez Valley Bright on the nose with purple fruit, black raspberry and dried strawberry, this blend holds 34% Syrah, 33% Grenache and 33% Mourvèdre. Aromas gain complexity thanks to asphalt in the background and a lifting dried-mint scent. Tar, dried cherry, tart […]

Country: US / Rodney’s Vineyard Variety: Syrah California Winery: Fess Parker / Santa Barbara County Smoke meets game on the nose of this wine from a vineyard named after Fess Parker’s late son-in-law, along with blueberry and asphalt aromas. The flavors are rich and dense, with blackberry, tart boysenberry and more smoked meat, proving the […]

Country: US / Grassini Family Vineyard Variety: Sauvignon Blanc California Winery: Dragonette / Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara Distinctive elements on the nose of this wine from the Buellton-based winery include dried peach, lemon ice and a touch of yogurt and sour cream. There is a dairy tang to the palate and only the slightest […]

Country: US / Old School Estate Variety: Rhône-style Red Blend California Winery: Domaine Degher / Paso Robles Bright and bursting aromas of pomegranate and very ripe cranberry mesh with rose petals and hibiscus on the nose of this blend of 52% Grenache, 27% Syrah and 21% Mourvèdre. The palate shows a fresh vibrancy and interesting […]

Country: US / Sofa King Bueno Variety: Red Blend California Winery: Chronic Cellars / Paso Robles Boysenberry, black pepper, concentrated purple flowers and a touch of asphalt gather for a delicious nose on this blend of 47% Petite Sirah, 45% Syrah, 5% Grenache and 3% Mourvèdre. Flavors of purple fruit and flowers are elevated by […]