
California Red Wine
Learn about California red wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!
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Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Meiomi Pinot NoirPinot Noir from California
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DAOU Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Parducci Small Lot Pinot Noir 2020Pinot Noir from California
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Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red Blend 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Head High Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2019Pinot Noir from Sonoma County, California
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DeLoach Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir 2020Pinot Noir from California
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Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Hahn Founder's Pinot Noir 2019Pinot Noir from California
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Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from California
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Gia by Gia Coppola Red Blend (1 Liter Bottle) 2019Other Red Blends from California
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Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Anakota Helena Dakota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Belle Glos Clark and Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California
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Joseph Phelps Insignia 2018Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Vina Robles Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Martin Ray Synthesis Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2019Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
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Hall Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
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Pine Ridge Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California