
California
Responsible for the vast majority of American wine production ...
Responsible for the vast majority of American wine production, if California were a country, it would be the world’s fourth largest wine-producing nation. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles, and unlike tradition-bound Europe, experimentation is more than welcome here. Wineries range from tiny, family-owned boutiques to massive corporations, and price and production are equally varied. Plenty of inexpensive bulk wine is made in the Central Valley area, while Napa Valley is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious and expensive “cult” wines.
Each American Viticultural Area (AVA) and sub-AVA of has its own distinct personality, allowing California to produce wine of every fashion: from bone dry to unctuously sweet, still to sparkling, light and fresh to rich and full-bodied. In the Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate vineyard acreage. Sonoma County is best known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The Central Coast has carved out a niche with Rhône Blends blends based on Grenache and Syrah, while Mendocino has found success with cool climate varieties such as Pinot noir, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. With all the diversity that California has to offer, any wine lover will find something to get excited about here.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate9
- Wine Spectator5
- Wine Enthusiast2
- Connoisseurs' Guide1
- Wine & Spirits1
- Older Vintages9
- Collectible9
- Boutique5
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Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red 2004Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Merus Cabernet Sauvignon (torn labels) 2004Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Hundred Acre Fortification (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2004Port from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon 2004Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2004Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Spring Mountain Vineyard Elivette 2004Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WE
- W&S
- RP
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Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Claret 2004Bordeaux Red Blends from North Coast, California
- CG
- RP
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Abreu Vineyards Madrona Ranch 2004Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Levy & McClellan Proprietary Red 2004Other Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS